U.S. patent application number 12/814143 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for methods and compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of cox-2.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vanderbilt University. Invention is credited to Brenda C. Crews, Lawrence J. Marnett, Md. Jashim Uddin.
Application Number | 20100254910 12/814143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834080 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100254910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marnett; Lawrence J. ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETING
OF COX-2
Abstract
The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions
that selectively bind cyclooxygenase-2 and comprise a therapeutic
and/or diagnostic moiety. Also provided are methods for using the
disclosed compositions for diagnosing (i.e., by imaging) a target
cell and/or treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2
biological activity.
Inventors: |
Marnett; Lawrence J.;
(Nashville, TN) ; Uddin; Md. Jashim; (Nashville,
TN) ; Crews; Brenda C.; (Franklin, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKINS, WILSON, TAYLOR & HUNT, P. A.
Suite 1200 UNIVERSITY TOWER, 3100 TOWER BLVD.,
DURHAM
NC
27707
US
|
Assignee: |
Vanderbilt University
Nashville
TN
|
Family ID: |
38834080 |
Appl. No.: |
12/814143 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11820481 |
Jun 19, 2007 |
7736624 |
|
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12814143 |
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60814854 |
Jun 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/9.6 ;
514/225.2; 514/274; 514/283; 514/34; 514/411; 514/414; 536/6.4;
544/310; 544/35; 546/48; 548/428; 548/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 29/00 20180101;
A61K 49/0028 20130101; A61K 31/416 20130101; A61K 31/655 20130101;
A61K 47/55 20170801; A61K 49/0017 20130101; A61K 31/4745 20130101;
A61K 49/0021 20130101; A61K 49/0032 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101;
A61K 31/5383 20130101; A61K 49/0041 20130101; A61K 49/003 20130101;
A61K 49/0052 20130101; A61K 31/405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/9.6 ;
514/274; 514/283; 514/414; 544/310; 546/48; 548/454; 548/428;
536/6.4; 544/35; 514/411; 514/34; 514/225.2 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/513 20060101
A61K031/513; A61K 31/4375 20060101 A61K031/4375; A61K 31/405
20060101 A61K031/405; C07D 403/12 20060101 C07D403/12; C07D 491/14
20060101 C07D491/14; C07D 405/12 20060101 C07D405/12; C07D 487/14
20060101 C07D487/14; C07H 15/252 20060101 C07H015/252; C07D 279/18
20060101 C07D279/18; A61K 49/00 20060101 A61K049/00; A61K 31/704
20060101 A61K031/704; A61K 31/5415 20060101 A61K031/5415; A61P
29/00 20060101 A61P029/00 |
Goverment Interests
GRANT STATEMENT
[0002] This work was supported by grant U54-CA 105296 from the
United States National Institutes of Health. Accordingly, the
United States Government has certain rights in the presently
disclosed subject matter.
Claims
1. A cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent comprising an active agent and a derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), wherein the NSAID is
selected from an indolyl amine and a celecoxib analog, wherein: (a)
the active agent and the derivative of the NSAID are linked to each
other via a tether; and (b) the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
selectively binds to COX-2.
2. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 1, wherein the
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug has been modified to comprise
a carboxylic acid moiety, and the derivative of the NSAID is a
secondary amide or ester derivative of the carboxylic acid
moiety.
3-5. (canceled)
6. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 1, wherein the
therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent comprises a structural formula
selected from: ##STR00141## wherein: R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6
alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8
cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8
aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6
alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkoxy, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8
aryloxy, or halo-substituted versions thereof, or R.sub.1 is halo
where halo is chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo; R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1
to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched alkyl, NH.sub.2, or a dipolar N.sub.3
group; X comprises an active agent; A comprises a tether; B is O or
--NH; D is halo, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, branched alkyl, or
cycloalkyl; and n is 0-4.
7. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 1, wherein the
active agent comprises a chemotherapeutic.
8. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 7, wherein the
chemotherapeutic is selected from the group consisting of taxol,
retinoic acid and derivatives thereof, doxorubicin, sulfathiazole,
sulfadimethoxane, mitomycin C, retinoic acid or derivative thereof,
camptothecin and derivatives thereof, podophyllotoxin, and
mycophenolic acid.
9. (canceled)
10. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 1, wherein the
active agent comprises a detectable moiety.
11. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 10, wherein
the detectable moiety comprises a fluorescent molecule selected
from the group consisting of a fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and a
near infrared (NIR) dye.
12. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 11, wherein
the fluorophore is selected from the group consisting of coumarin
and derivatives thereof, dansyl chloride, dabsyl chloride,
nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD), cinnamic acid, fluorescein and
derivatives thereof, rhodamine and derivatives thereof, Nile Blue,
an Alexa Fluor and derivatives thereof, and combinations
thereof.
13. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 12, wherein
the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent is: ##STR00142##
14. (canceled)
15. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 12, wherein
the rhodamine and derivatives thereof are selected from the group
consisting of tetraethyl sulforhodamine, 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine.
16. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 11, wherein
the cyanine dye is selected from the group consisting of Cy5,
Cy5.5, and Cy7.
17. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 11, wherein
the NIR dye is selected from the group consisting of NIR641,
NIR664, NIR700, and NIR782.
18. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 1, wherein the
tether is selected from the group consisting of an alkylamide
tether, a PEG tether, an alkylpiperazine tether, and a phenylene
tether.
19. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 18, wherein
the alkylamide tether is selected from the group consisting of an
alkyldiamide, an alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide.
20. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 18, wherein
the PEG tether is selected from the group consisting of a
PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide.
21. The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of claim 18, wherein
the alkylpiperazine tether is selected from the group consisting of
a diamidopiperazine, an alkyldiamidopiperazine, an
alkylaminopiperazinylethyl acetamidoether, an
alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
22. A method for synthesizing a therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agent, the method comprising: (a) providing a derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), said derivative
comprising a carboxylic acid moiety, and wherein the NSAID is an
indolyl amine or a celecoxib analog; (b) derivatizing the
carboxylic acid moiety to a secondary amide or an ester; and (c)
complexing an active agent to the secondary amide or the ester,
wherein: (i) the active agent comprises a therapeutic moiety, a
diagnostic moiety, or both a therapeutic moiety and a diagnostic
moiety; (ii) the active agent is complexed to the derivative of the
NSAID via a tether; and (iii) the therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agent selectively binds to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
23-26. (canceled)
27. The method of claim 22, wherein the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent comprises a structural formula selected from:
##STR00143## wherein: R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1
to C.sub.6 branched alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4
to O.sub.8 aryl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to
C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.i to C.sub.6
branched alkoxy, O.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryloxy, or halo-substituted
versions thereof, or R.sub.1 is halo where halo is chloro, fluoro,
bromo, or iodo; R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched
alkyl, NH.sub.2, or a dipolar N.sub.3 group; X comprises an active
agent; A comprises a tether; B is O or --NH; D is halo, C.sub.1 to
C.sub.4 alkyl, branched alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and n is 0-4.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein the therapeutic moiety
comprises a chemotherapeutic.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the chemotherapeutic is
selected from the group consisting of taxol, retinoic acid and
derivatives thereof, doxorubicin, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxane,
mitomycin C, retinoic acid or derivative thereof, camptothecin and
derivatives thereof, podophyllotoxin, and mycophenolic acid.
30. (canceled)
31. The method of claim 22, wherein the diagnostic moiety comprises
a detectable moiety.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the detectable moiety comprises
a fluorescent molecule selected from the group consisting of a
fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and a near infrared (NIR) dye.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the fluorophore is selected
from the group consisting of coumarin and derivatives thereof,
dansyl chloride, dabsyl chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD),
cinnamic acid, fluorescein and derivatives thereof, rhodamine and
derivatives thereof, and Nile Blue.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent is: ##STR00144##
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the rhodamine and derivatives
thereof are selected from the group consisting of tetraethyl
sulforhodamine, 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine.
36. The method of claim 32 wherein the cyanine dye is selected from
the group consisting of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7.
37. The method of claim 32, wherein the NIR dye is selected from
the group consisting of NIR641, NIR664, NIR700, and NIR782.
38. The method of claim 22, wherein the tether is selected from the
group consisting of an alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an
alkylpiperazine tether and a phenylene tether.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the PEG tether is selected from
the group consisting of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein the alkylpiperazine tether is
selected from the group consisting of a diamidopiperazine, an
alkyldiamidopiperazine, an alkylaminopiperazinylethyl
acetamidoether, an alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
42. A method for imaging a target cell in a subject, the method
comprising: (a) administering to the subject a diagnostic agent
under conditions sufficient for contacting the diagnostic agent
with the target cell, wherein the diagnostic agent comprises a
detectable moiety covalently linked via a tether to a derivative of
a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), wherein the NSAID
is an indolyl amine or a celecoxib analog, and further wherein the
diagnostic agent selectively binds to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
expressed by the target cell; and (b) detecting the detectable
moiety.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the target cell is present in a
tissue selected from the group consisting of an inflammatory
lesion, a tumor, a pre-neoplastic lesion, a neoplastic cell, a
pre-neoplastic cell, and a cancer cell.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the pre-neoplastic lesion is
selected from the group consisting of a colon polyp and Barrett's
esophagus.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the tumor is selected from the
group consisting of a primary tumor, a metastasized tumor, and a
carcinoma.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the tumor is selected from the
group consisting of a colon adenocarcinoma, an esophageal tumor, a
bladder tumor, a breast tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a lung tumor, a
gastric tumor, a hepatic tumor, a head and/or neck tumor, a
cervical tumor, an endometrial tumor, and a skin tumor.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein the subject is a mammal.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the mammal is a human.
49. The method of claim 42, wherein the administering is via a
route selected from the group consisting of peroral, intravenous,
intraperitoneal, inhalation, and intratumoral.
50. The method of claim 42, wherein the non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug has been modified to comprise a carboxylic
acid moiety, and the derivative of the NSAID is a secondary amide
or ester derivative of the carboxylic acid moiety.
51-53. (canceled)
54. The method of claim 42, wherein the diagnostic agent comprises
a structural formula selected from: ##STR00145## wherein:
R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched
alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkoxy,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryloxy, or halo-substituted versions thereof,
or R.sub.1 is halo where halo is chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo;
R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched alkyl, NH.sub.2,
or a dipolar N.sub.3 group; X comprises an active agent; A
comprises a tether; B is O or --NH; D is halo, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4
alkyl, branched alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and n is 0-4.
55. The method of claim 56, wherein the diagnostic agent is:
##STR00146##
56. The method of claim 42, wherein the detectable moiety comprises
a fluorescent molecule selected from the group consisting of a
fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and a near infrared (NIR) dye.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the fluorophore is selected
from the group consisting of coumarin and derivatives thereof,
dansyl chloride, dabsyl chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD),
cinnamic acid, fluorescein and derivatives thereof, rhodamine and
derivatives thereof, and Nile Blue.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein the rhodamine and derivatives
thereof are selected from the group consisting of tetraethyl
sulforhodamine, 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine.
59. The method of claim 56, wherein the cyanine dye is selected
from the group consisting of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7.
60. The method of claim 56, wherein the NIR dye is selected from
the group consisting of NIR641, NIR664, NIR700, and NIR782.
61. The method of claim 42, wherein the tether is selected from the
group consisting of an alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an
alkylpiperazine tether, and a phenylene tether.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide.
63. The method of claim 61, wherein the PEG tether is selected from
the group consisting of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide.
64. The method of claim 61, wherein the alkylpiperazine tether is
selected from the group consisting of a diamidopiperazine, an
alkyldiamidopiperzine, an alkylaminopiperizinylethyl
acetamidoether, an alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
65. A method for treating a disorder associated with a
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) biological activity in a subject, the
method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically
effective amount of a therapeutic agent comprising a therapeutic
moiety and a derivative of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID), wherein the NSAID is an indolyl amine or a celecoxib
analog, wherein: (i) the therapeutic moiety and the derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are covalently bound
to each other via a tether; and (ii) the therapeutic agent
selectively binds to COX-2.
66. The method of claim 65, wherein the administering is via a
route selected from the group consisting of peroral, intravenous,
intraperitoneal, inhalation, and intratumoral.
67. The method of claim 65, wherein the non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug has been modified to comprise a carboxylic
acid moiety, and the carboxylic acid moiety is derivatized to the
secondary amide or ester derivative.
68-70. (canceled)
71. The method of claim 65, wherein the secondary amide comprises a
structural formula selected from: ##STR00147## wherein:
R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched
alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkoxy,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryloxy, or halo-substituted versions thereof,
or R.sub.1 is halo where halo is chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo;
R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched alkyl, NH.sub.2,
or a dipolar N.sub.3 group; X comprises an active agent; A
comprises a tether; B is O or --NH; D is halo, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4
alkyl, branched alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and n is 0-4.
72. The method of claim 65, wherein the active agent comprises a
chemotherapeutic.
73. The method of claim 72, wherein the chemotherapeutic is
selected from the group consisting of taxol, retinoic acid and
derivatives thereof, doxorubicin, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxane,
mitomycin C, and mycophenolic acid.
74. (canceled)
75. The method of claim 65, wherein the tether is selected from the
group consisting of an alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an
alkylpiperazine tether, and phenylene tether.
76. The method of claim 75, wherein the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide.
77. The method of claim 75, wherein the PEG tether is selected from
the group consisting of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide.
78. The method of claim 75, wherein the alkylpiperazine tether is
selected from the group consisting of a diamidopiperazine, an
alkyldiamidopiperazine, an alkylaminopiperazinylethyl
acetamidoether, an alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
79. The method of claim 65, wherein the disorder associated with
the COX-2 biological activity comprises a neoplasia or a
pre-neoplastic state, and the therapeutic agent is administered to
a target cell present in a tissue selected from the group
consisting of an inflammatory lesion, a tumor, a pre-neoplastic
lesion, a neoplastic cell, a pre-neoplastic cell, and a cancer
cell.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein the pre-neoplastic lesion is
selected from the group consisting of a colon polyp and Barrett's
esophagus.
81. The method of claim 79, wherein the tumor is selected from the
group consisting of a primary tumor, a metastasized tumor, and a
carcinoma.
82. The method of claim 79, wherein the tumor is selected from the
group consisting of a colon adenocarcinoma, an esophageal tumor, a
bladder tumor, a breast tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a lung tumor, a
gastric tumor, a hepatic tumor, a head and/or neck tumor, a
cervical tumor, an endometrial tumor, and a skin tumor.
83. The method of claim 79, wherein the target cell overexpresses
COX-2.
84. The method of claim 65, wherein the subject is a mammal.
85. The method of claim 84, wherein the mammal is a human.
86. The method of claim 65, further comprising treating the subject
with one or more additional anti-cancer therapies selected from the
group consisting of surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy,
immunotherapy, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/814,854, filed Jun.
19, 2006; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to
diagnostic and therapeutic agents that comprise COX-2-selective
ligands. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter
relates to derivatives of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
that exhibit selective binding to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and that
comprise functional groups allowing them to be used as diagnostic
and/or therapeutic agents.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A limitation of current therapeutic and/or diagnostic
methods is that it is often not possible to deliver the therapeutic
and/or diagnostic agent selectively or specifically to the
appropriate tissue or cell type. In the case of diagnostic imaging
of cancer, for example, current methods for tumor-specific imaging
are hindered by imaging agents that also accumulate in normal
tissues. With respect to therapeutic targeting, specificity also
plays an important role as some therapeutics (e.g., anti-cancer
therapeutics) are toxic, and delivery to non-target cells (e.g.
normal cells) is preferably avoided.
[0005] Additionally, continuing with respect to cancer, a lack of
targeting ligands that are capable of binding to multiple tumor
types necessitates the synthesis of a wide range of active agents
in order to treat and/or diagnose different tumor types. Ideally, a
targeting molecule should display specific targeting in the absence
of substantial binding to normal tissues, and a capacity for
targeting to a variety of tumor types and stages. Finally, early
diagnosis of neoplastic changes can result in more effective
treatment of cancer. Thus, there exists a long-felt need in the art
for methods to achieve delivery of imaging agents to tumors early
in the course of tumorigenesis.
[0006] Cyclooxygenase (COX) activity originates from two distinct
and independently regulated enzymes, termed COX-1 and COX-2 (see
DeWitt & Smith (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85, 1412-1416;
Yokoyama & Tanabe (1989) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 165,
888-894; Hla & Neilson (1992) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89,
7384-7388). COX-1 is a constitutive isoform and is mainly
responsible for the synthesis of cytoprotective prostaglandin in
the gastrointestinal tract and for the synthesis of thromboxane,
which triggers aggregation of blood platelets (Allison et al.
(1992) N Eng J Med 327, 749-754). COX-2, on the other hand, is
inducible and short-lived. Its expression is stimulated in response
to endotoxins, cytokines, and mitogens (Kujubu et al. (1991) J Biol
Chem 266, 12866-12872; Lee et al. (1992) J Biol Chem 267,
25934-25938; O'Sullivan et al. (1993) Biochem Biophys Res Commun
191, 1294-1300).
[0007] Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the committed step in the
biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxane, and prostacyclin
(Smith et al. (2000) Annu Rev Biochem 69, 145-182). COX-2 is not
expressed in most normal tissues, but is present in inflammatory
lesions and tumors (Fu et al. (1990) J Biol Chem 265, 16737-16740;
Eberhart et al. (1994) Gastroenterology 107, 1183-1188). Studies by
Eberhart et al. and Kargman et al. by first demonstrated that COX-2
mRNA and protein are expressed in tumor cells from colon cancer
patients but not in surrounding normal tissue (Eberhart et al.
(1994) Gastroenterology 107, 1183-1188; Kargman et al. (1995)
Cancer Res 55, 2556-2559). COX-2 expression appears to be an early
event in colon tumorigenesis because it is detectable in colon
polyps (Eberhart et al. (1994) Gastroenterology 107, 1183-1188).
Approximately 55% of polyps demonstrate COX-2 expression compared
to approximately 85% of colon adenocarcinomas. The concept that
COX-2 is expressed in malignant tumors and their precursor lesions
has been extended to a broader range of solid tumors including
those of the esophagus (Kandil et al. (2001) Dig Dis Sci 46,
785-789), bladder (Ristimaki et al. (2001) Am J Pathol 158,
849-853), breast (Ristimaki et al. (2002) Cancer Res 62, 632-635),
pancreas (Tucker et al. (1999) Cancer Res 59, 987-990), lung
(Soslow et al. (2000) Cancer 89, 2637-2645), stomach (Ristimaki et
al. (1997) Cancer Res 57, 1276-1280), liver (Rahman et al. (2001)
Clin Cancer Res 7, 1325-1332), head and neck (Chan et al. (1999)
Cancer Res 59, 991-994), cervix (Gaffney et al. (2001) Intl J
Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 49, 1213-1217), endometrium (Jabbour et al.
(2001) Br J Cancer 85, 1023-1031), and skin, including melanoma
(Denkert et al. (2001) Cancer Res 61, 303-308).
[0008] The expression of COX-2 in tumors appears to have functional
consequences. Prostaglandins have been demonstrated to stimulate
cell proliferation (Marnett (1992) Cancer Res 52, 5575-5589),
inhibit apoptosis (Tsujii & DuBois (1995) Cell 83, 493-501),
increase cell motility (Sheng et al. (2001) J Biol Chem 276,
18075-18081), and enhance angiogenesis in animal models (Daniel et
al. (1999) Cancer Res 59, 4574-4577; Masferrer et al. (2000) Cancer
Res 60, 1306-1311). COX-2 expression is dramatically elevated in
rodent models of colon cancer and crossing COX-2 knockout mice into
the APC.sup.Min- background (a mouse strain that is highly
susceptible to the formation of spontaneous intestinal adenomas)
reduces the number of intestinal tumors by .about.85% compared to
APC.sup.Min- controls (DuBois et al. (1996) Gastroenterology 110,
1259-1262; Oshima et al. (1996) Cell 87, 803-809). COX-2 expression
is detected in breast cancers from the subset of patients
exhibiting Her-2/neu overexpression. Overexpression of COX-2
specifically targeted to the breast of multiparous rodents induces
breast cancer. These findings suggest that COX-2 contributes to
tumor progression so that its expression in tumor tissue plays an
important functional role. In fact, high COX-2 expression in tumors
is associated with poor clinical outcome (Tucker et al. (1999)
Cancer Res 59, 987-990; Denkert et al. (2001) Cancer Res 61,
303-308; Kandil et al. (2001) Dig Dis Sci 46, 785-789; Ristimaki et
al. (2002) Cancer Res 62, 632-635).
[0009] What are needed, therefore, are multifunctional compositions
that can specifically bind to COX-2 in order to modulate a
biological activity of COX-2, while concurrently delivering an
active agent comprising a therapeutic and/or a diagnostic
composition to a cell or tissue expressing COX-2, as well as
methods for employing such compositions to image, diagnose, and/or
treat disorders associated with abnormal proliferation of such
cells and/or tissues.
[0010] To address this need, the presently disclosed subject matter
provides methods and compositions for treating, diagnosing, and/or
imaging COX-2-expressing cells including, but not limited to
neoplastic cells and their normal and/or pre-neoplastic
precursors.
SUMMARY
[0011] This Summary lists several embodiments of the presently
disclosed subject matter, and in many cases lists variations and
permutations of these embodiments. This Summary is merely exemplary
of the numerous and varied embodiments. Mention of one or more
representative features of a given embodiment is likewise
exemplary. Such an embodiment can typically exist with or without
the feature(s) mentioned; likewise, those features can be applied
to other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter,
whether listed in this Summary or not. To avoid excessive
repetition, this Summary does not list or suggest all possible
combinations of such features.
[0012] The presently disclosed subject matter provides
cyclooxygenase-2-selective therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. In
some embodiments, the cyclooxygenase-2-selective therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agents comprise an active agent and a derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In some embodiments,
(a) the active agent and the derivative of the NSAID are linked to
each other via a tether; and (b) the therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agent selectively binds to COX-2. In some embodiments, the
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug comprises a carboxylic acid
moiety or has been modified to comprise a carboxylic acid moiety,
and the derivative of the NSAID is a secondary amide or ester
derivative of the carboxylic acid moiety. In some embodiments, the
NSAID is selected from the group consisting of fenamic acids,
indoles, phenylalkanoic acids, phenylacetic acids, coxibs,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group
consisting of aspirin, o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS),
indomethacin, 6-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-2-naphthylacetic acid,
meclofenamic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA),
diclofenac, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, mefenamic acid,
sulindac, tolmetin, suprofen, ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen,
aceloferac, alcofenac, amfenac, benoxaprofen, bromfenac, carprofen,
clidanac, diflunisal, efenamic acid, etodolic acid, fenbufen,
fenclofenac, fenclorac, fenoprofen, fleclozic acid, indoprofen,
isofezolac, ketoprofen, loxoprofen, meclofenamate, naproxen,
orpanoxin, pirprofen, pranoprofen, tolfenamic acid, zaltoprofen,
zomepirac, celecoxib, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,
and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is
selected from the group consisting of indomethacin, celecoxib,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof.
[0013] In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
comprises a structural formula selected from:
##STR00001##
[0014] wherein: [0015] R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to
C.sub.6 branched alkoxy, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryloxy, or
halo-substituted versions thereof, or R.sub.1 is halo where halo is
chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo; [0016] R.sub.2.dbd.C.sub.1 to
C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aroyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 heterocyclic alkyl or aryl with O, N or S in the
ring, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
alkyl-substituted or aryl-substituted C.sub.4 to C.sub.8
heterocyclic alkyl or aryl with O, N or S in the ring,
alkyl-substituted C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aroyl, or alkyl-substituted
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl, or halo-substituted versions thereof or
R.sub.1 is halo where halo is chloro, bromo, or iodo; [0017]
R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched alkyl, NH.sub.2,
or a dipolar N.sub.3 group; [0018] X comprises an active agent;
[0019] A comprises a tether; [0020] B is O or --NH; [0021] D is
halo, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, branched alkyl, or cycloalkyl; and
[0022] n is 0-4.
[0023] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises a
chemotherapeutic. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic is
selected from the group consisting of taxol, retinoic acid and
derivatives thereof, doxorubicin, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxane,
mitomycin C, retinoic acid or derivative thereof, camptothecin and
derivatives thereof, podophyllotoxin, and mycophenolic acid. In
some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is selected from the group
consisting of:
##STR00002## ##STR00003## ##STR00004## ##STR00005##
[0024] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises a detectable
moiety. In some embodiments, the detectable moiety comprises a
fluorescent molecule selected from the group consisting of a
fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and near infrared (NIR) dye. In some
embodiments, the fluorophore is selected from the group consisting
of coumarin and derivatives thereof, dansyl chloride, dabsyl
chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD), cinnamic acid, fluorescein
and derivatives thereof, rhodamine and derivatives thereof, Nile
Blue, an Alexa Fluor and derivatives thereof, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agent is selected from the group consisting of:
##STR00006## ##STR00007## ##STR00008## ##STR00009##
[0025] In some embodiments, the rhodamine and derivatives thereof
are selected from the group consisting of 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is
selected from the group consisting of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7. In some
embodiments, the NIR dye is selected from the group consisting of
NIR641, NIR664, NIR700, and NIR782.
[0026] In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
comprises a tether. In some embodiments, the tether is selected
from the group consisting of an alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an
alkylpiperazine tether, and a phenylene tether. In some
embodiments, the alkylamide tether is selected from the group
consisting of an alkyldiamide, an alkylamidosulfonamide, an
alkylamidothiourea, and alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an
aminoalkyldiamide. In some embodiments, the PEG tether is selected
from the group consisting of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and
an alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide. In some embodiments, the
alkylpiperazine tether is selected from the group consisting of a
diamidopiperazine, an alkyldiamidopiperazine, an
alkylaminopiperazinylethyl acetamidoether, an
alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
[0027] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for synthesizing a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In some
embodiments, the methods comprise (a) providing a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or a derivative thereof, comprising
a carboxylic acid moiety; (b) derivatizing the carboxylic acid
moiety to a secondary amide or an ester; and (c) complexing an
active agent to the secondary amide or the ester, wherein: (i) the
active agent comprises a therapeutic moiety, a diagnostic moiety,
or both a therapeutic moiety and a diagnostic moiety; (ii) the
active agent is complexed to the derivative of the NSAID via a
tether; and (iii) the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
selectively binds to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
[0028] In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group
consisting of fenamic acids, indoles, phenylalkanoic acids,
phenylacetic acids, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected
from the group consisting of aspirin, o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl
sulfide (APHS), indomethacin,
6-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-2-naphthylacetic acid, meclofenamic acid,
5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), diclofenac, flufenamic
acid, niflumic acid, mefenamic acid, sulindac, tolmetin, suprofen,
ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, aceloferac, alcofenac, amfenac,
benoxaprofen, bromfenac, carprofen, clidanac, diflunisal, efenamic
acid, etodolic acid, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenclorac, fenoprofen,
fleclozic acid, indoprofen, isofezolac, ketoprofen, loxoprofen,
meclofenamate, naproxen, orpanoxin, pirprofen, pranoprofen,
tolfenamic acid, zaltoprofen, zomepirac, pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group consisting of
aspirin, o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS), indomethacin,
meclofenamic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA),
ketorolac, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is
indomethacin, a derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof.
[0029] In some embodiments of the synthetic methods, the
therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent comprises a structural formula
selected from Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III as defined
hereinabove.
[0030] In some embodiments, the therapeutic moiety comprises a
chemotherapeutic. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic is
selected from the group consisting of taxol, retinoic acid and
derivatives thereof, doxorubicin, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxane,
mitomycin C, retinoic acid or derivative thereof, camptothecin and
derivatives thereof, podophyllotoxin, and mycophenolic acid. In
some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent is
selected from the group consisting of:
##STR00010## ##STR00011## ##STR00012## ##STR00013##
[0031] In some embodiments, the diagnostic moiety comprises a
detectable moiety. In some embodiments, the detectable moiety
comprises a fluorescent molecule selected from the group consisting
of a fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and a near infrared (NIR) dye. In
some embodiments, the fluorophore is selected from the group
consisting of coumarin and derivatives thereof, dansyl chloride,
dabsyl chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD), cinnamic acid,
fluorescein and derivatives thereof, rhodamine and derivatives
thereof, and Nile Blue. In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent is selected from the group consisting of:
##STR00014## ##STR00015## ##STR00016## ##STR00017##
[0032] In some embodiments, the rhodamine and derivatives thereof
are selected from the group consisting of 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine. In some embodiments, the cyanine dye is
selected from the group consisting of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7. In some
embodiments, the NIR dye is selected from the group consisting of
NIR641, NIR664, NIR700, and NIR782.
[0033] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed synthetic
methods, the tether is selected from the group consisting of
alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an alkylpiperazine tether, and
phenylene tether. In some embodiments, the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide. In some
embodiments, the PEG tether is selected from the group consisting
of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide. In some embodiments, the
alkylpiperazine tether is selected from the group consisting of a
diamidopiperazine, an alkyldiamidopiperazine, an
alkylaminopiperazinylethyl acetamidoether, an
alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
[0034] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for employing the compositions disclosed herein in therapeutic
and/or diagnostic methods. In some embodiments, the presently
disclosed subject matter provides methods for imaging a target cell
in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a)
administering to the subject a diagnostic agent as disclosed herein
under conditions sufficient for contacting the diagnostic agent
with the target cell, wherein the diagnostic agent comprises a
detectable moiety covalently linked via a tether to a derivative of
a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and further wherein
the diagnostic agent selectively binds to COX-2 expressed by the
target cell; and (b) detecting the detectable moiety. In some
embodiments, the target cell is present in a tissue selected from
the group consisting of an inflammatory lesion, a tumor, a
pre-neoplastic lesion, a neoplastic cell, a pre-neoplastic cell,
and a cancer cell. In some embodiments, the pre-neoplastic lesion
is selected from the group consisting of a colon polyp and
Barrett's esophagus. In some embodiments, the tumor is selected
from the group consisting of a primary tumor, a metastasized tumor,
and a carcinoma. In some embodiments, the tumor is selected from
the group consisting of a colon adenocarcinoma, an esophageal
tumor, a bladder tumor, a breast tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a lung
tumor, a gastric tumor, a hepatic tumor, a head and/or neck tumor,
a cervical tumor, an endometrial tumor, and a skin tumor. In some
embodiments, the administering is via a route selected from the
group consisting of peroral, intravenous, intraperitoneal,
inhalation, and intratumoral.
[0035] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed imaging
methods, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug comprises a
carboxylic acid moiety or has been modified to comprise a
carboxylic acid moiety, and the derivative of the NSAID is a
secondary amide or ester derivative of the carboxylic acid moiety.
In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group
consisting of fenamic acids, indoles, phenylalkanoic acids,
phenylacetic acids, coxibs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts
thereof, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID
is selected from the group consisting of aspirin,
o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS), indomethacin,
6-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-2-naphthylacetic acid, meclofenamic acid,
5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), diclofenac, flufenamic
acid, niflumic acid, mefenamic acid, sulindac, tolmetin, suprofen,
ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, aceloferac, alcofenac, amfenac,
benoxaprofen, bromfenac, carprofen, clidanac, diflunisal, efenamic
acid, etodolic acid, fenbufen, fenclofenac, fenclorac, fenoprofen,
fleclozic acid, indoprofen, isofezolac, ketoprofen, loxoprofen,
meclofenamate, naproxen, orpanoxin, pirprofen, pranoprofen,
tolfenamic acid, zaltoprofen, zomepirac, celecoxib,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group
consisting of indomethacin, celecoxib, pharmaceutically acceptable
salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the
therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent comprises a structural formula
selected from Formula I, Formula II, and Formula III as defined
hereinabove.
[0036] In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
is selected from the group consisting of:
##STR00018## ##STR00019## ##STR00020## ##STR00021##
[0037] In some embodiments, the detectable moiety comprises a
fluorescent molecule selected from the group consisting of a
fluorophore, a cyanine dye, and a near infrared (NIR) dye. In some
embodiments, the fluorophore is selected from the group consisting
of coumarin and derivatives thereof, dansyl chloride, dabsyl
chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD), cinnamic acid, fluorescein
and derivatives thereof, rhodamine and derivatives thereof, and
Nile Blue. In some embodiments, the rhodamine and derivatives
thereof are selected from the group consisting of
5-carboxy-X-rhodamine and 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine. In some
embodiments, the cyanine dye is selected from the group consisting
of Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7. In some embodiments, the NIR dye is
selected from the group consisting of NIR641, NIR664, NIR700, and
NIR782.
[0038] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed imaging
methods, the tether is selected from the group consisting of
alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an alkylpiperazine tether, and
phenylene tether. In some embodiments, the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide. In some
embodiments, the PEG tether is selected from the group consisting
of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide. In some embodiments, the
alkylpiperazine tether is selected from the group consisting of a
diamidopiperazine, an alkyldiamidopiperzine, an
alkylaminopiperizinylethyl acetamidoether, an
alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
[0039] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
biological activity in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods
comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective
amount of a therapeutic agent comprising a therapeutic moiety and a
derivative of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID),
wherein (i) the therapeutic moiety and the derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are covalently bound
to each other via a tether; and (ii) the therapeutic agent
selectively binds to COX-2. In some embodiments, the administering
is via a route selected from the group consisting of peroral,
intravenous, intraperitoneal, inhalation, and intratumoral. In some
embodiments, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug comprises a
carboxylic acid moiety or has been modified to comprise a
carboxylic acid moiety, and the carboxylic acid moiety is
derivatized to the secondary amide or ester derivative.
[0040] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed treatment
methods, the NSAID is selected from the group consisting of fenamic
acids, indoles, phenylalkanoic acids, phenylacetic acids, coxibs,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected from the group
consisting of aspirin, o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS),
indomethacin, 6-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-2-naphthylacetic acid,
meclofenamic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA),
diclofenac, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, mefenamic acid,
sulindac, tolmetin, suprofen, ketorolac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen,
aceloferac, alcofenac, amfenac, benoxaprofen, bromfenac, carprofen,
clidanac, diflunisal, efenamic acid, etodolic acid, fenbufen,
fenclofenac, fenclorac, fenoprofen, fleclozic acid, indoprofen,
isofezolac, ketoprofen, loxoprofen, meclofenamate, naproxen,
orpanoxin, pirprofen, pranoprofen, tolfenamic acid, zaltoprofen,
zomepirac, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the NSAID is selected
from the group consisting of indomethacin, celecoxib,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the secondary amide comprises a
structural formula selected from Formula I, Formula II, and Formula
III as defined hereinabove.
[0041] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed treatment
methods, the active agent comprises a chemotherapeutic. In some
embodiments, the chemotherapeutic is selected from the group
consisting of taxol, retinoic acid and derivatives thereof,
doxorubicin, sulfathiazole, sulfadimethoxane, mitomycin C, retinoic
acid and derivatives thereof, camptothecin and derivatives thereof,
podophyllotoxin, and mycophenolic acid. In some embodiments, the
therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of:
##STR00022## ##STR00023## ##STR00024## ##STR00025##
[0042] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed treatment
methods, the tether is selected from the group consisting of
alkylamide tether, a PEG tether, an alkylpiperazine tether, and
phenylene tether. In some embodiments, the alkylamide tether is
selected from the group consisting of an alkyldiamide, an
alkylamidosulfonamide, an alkylamidothiourea, and
alkyldiamidosulfonamide, and an aminoalkyldiamide. In some
embodiments, the PEG tether is selected from the group consisting
of a PEG4amidoester, a PEG4diamide, and an
alkyldiamidoPEG4sulfonamide. In some embodiments, the
alkylpiperazine tether is selected from the group consisting of a
diamidopiperazine, an alkyldiamidopiperazine, an
alkylaminopiperazinylethyl acetamidoether, an
alkylaminopiperazinylether ester, and a
dialkyldiamidopiperazine.
[0043] In some embodiments of the presently disclosed treatment
methods, the disorder associated with the COX-2 biological activity
comprises a neoplasia or a pre-neoplastic state, and the
therapeutic agent is administered to a target cell present in a
tissue selected from the group consisting of an inflammatory
lesion, a tumor, a pre-neoplastic lesion, a neoplastic cell, a
pre-neoplastic cell, and a cancer cell. In some embodiments, the
pre-neoplastic lesion is selected from the group consisting of a
colon polyp and Barrett's esophagus. In some embodiments, the tumor
is selected from the group consisting of a primary tumor, a
metastasized tumor, and a carcinoma. In some embodiments, the tumor
is selected from the group consisting of a colon adenocarcinoma, an
esophageal tumor, a bladder tumor, a breast tumor, a pancreatic
tumor, a lung tumor, a gastric tumor, a hepatic tumor, a head
and/or neck tumor, a cervical tumor, an endometrial tumor, and a
skin tumor. In some embodiments, the target cell overexpresses
COX-2. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed treatment
methods further comprise treating the subject with one or more
additional anti-cancer therapies selected from the group consisting
of surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy,
and combinations thereof.
[0044] The therapeutic and/or diagnostic methods and compositions
disclosed herein can be employed in therapeutic and/or diagnostic
of any subject. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In
some embodiments, the mammal is a human.
[0045] Accordingly, it is an object of the presently disclosed
subject matter to provide methods and compositions for treating,
diagnosing, and/or imaging COX-2-expressing cells including, but
not limited to neoplastic cells and their normal and/or
pre-neoplastic precursors. This object is achieved in whole or in
part by the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0046] An object of the presently disclosed subject matter having
been stated above, other objects and advantages will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the
following description of the presently disclosed subject matter,
Drawings, and non-limiting Examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27j, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a
sulfathiazole moiety.
[0048] FIG. 2 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 30c an exemplary celecoxib analog. Reagents and
Conditions: (a) Lithium diisopropylamine (LDA), Tetrahydrofuran
(THF), -78.degree. C., 1 hour; (b) Sodium nitrite (NaNO.sub.2),
Concentrated hydrochloric acid (con. HCl), 0 to 4.degree. C., 30
minutes; (c) Tin(II) chloride (SnCl.sub.2), Concentrated
hydrochloric acid (con. HCl), 0.degree. C., 4 hours; and (d)
Triethylamine (TEA), methanol (MeOH), room temperature (r.t.), 16
hours.
[0049] FIG. 3 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 30f, an exemplary celecoxib-sulforhodaminyl
analog. Reagents and conditions: (a)
1-Ethyl-3-(3-O-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dimethylformamide (DMF), r.t, 16 hours; (b) HCl (gas),
dichloromethane, r.t., 2 hours; (c) N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t., 5 minutes; (d) tert-Butyl
1-amino-3,6,9,12-tetraoxapentadecan-15-oate, triethylamine (TEA),
dichloromethane, r.t., 16 hours; (e) Trifluoroacetic acid, r.t., 2
hours; (f) 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t, 16
hours.
[0050] FIG. 4 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27z, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a dansyl
moiety.
[0051] FIG. 5 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27aa, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a dabsyl
moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a) Dabsyl chloride, triethylamine
(TEA), dichloromethane, r.t., 16 hours.
[0052] FIG. 6 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27 cc, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent
of the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a
coumarinyl moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a)
1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dimethylformamide (DMF), r.t, 16 hours; (b) HCl (gas),
dichloromethane, r.t., 2 hours; (c) N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t., 5 minutes; (d)
Coumarin-3-carboxylic acid,
1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,Ndiisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t, 16 hours.
[0053] FIG. 7 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27ff, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a coumarinyl
moiety. Reagents and conditions; (a)
1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dimethylformamide (DMF), r.t, 16 hours; (b) HCl (gas),
dichloromethane, r.t., 2 hours; (c) Triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t., 5 minutes; (d)
7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester,
triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t, 16 hours.
[0054] FIG. 8 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27gg, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a coumarinyl
moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a)
1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dimethylformamide (DMF), r.t, 16 hours; (b) HCl (gas),
dichloromethane, r.t., 2 hours; (c) Triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t., 5 minutes; (d)
7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester,
triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t, 16 hours.
[0055] FIG. 9 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27ii, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises an
nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD) moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a)
Triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t., 5 minutes;
(b) Triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t, 16
hours.
[0056] FIG. 10 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27qq, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a
fluoresceinyl moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a) Triethylamine
(TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t., 5 minutes; (b)
Triethylamine (TEA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), r.t., 16 hours.
[0057] FIG. 11 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27uu, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a Nile Blue
moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a)
1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t, 16 hours; (b) Trifluoroacetic acid,
r.t., 2 hours; (c) 1-Ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), dichloromethane, r.t, 16
hours.
[0058] FIG. 12 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27vv, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent of
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a ROX
moiety.
[0059] FIG. 13 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27eee, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent
of the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises another
ROX moiety.
[0060] FIG. 14 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27iii, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent
of the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a
sulforhodaminyl moiety. Reagents and conditions: (a) Triethylamine
(TAE), dichloromethane, R.t., 16 hours; (b) Trfluoroacetic acid
(TFA), r.t., 2 hours; (c)
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-
acetamide hydrochloride,
O--(N-succinimidyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate
(TSTU), triethylamine (TEA), r.t., 16 hours.
[0061] FIG. 15 depicts a synthesis scheme that can be used to
produce Compound 27qqq, an exemplary fluorescent diagnostic agent
of the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises an NIR dye
moiety.
[0062] FIG. 16 depicts the structures of representative tethers
that can be employed to generate the compositions of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
[0063] FIG. 17 depicts the structures of representative active
agents of the presently disclosed subject matter that can be
tethered to secondary amide or ester derivatives of carboxylic
acid-containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to
generate the compositions of the presently disclosed subject
matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] The present subject matter will be now be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Examples, in
which representative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject
matter are shown. The presently disclosed subject matter can,
however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the presently
disclosed subject matter to those skilled in the art.
[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject
matter belongs.
[0066] All references listed herein, including patents, patent
applications, and scientific literature, are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties to the extent that they supplement,
explain, provide a background for, or teach methodology,
techniques, and/or compositions employed herein.
[0067] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms
"a", "an", and "the" refer to "one or more" when used in this
application, including the claims, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. Thus, a reference to "a cell" can include
multiple cells; "a tumor" can include multiple tumors, etc.
[0068] Throughout the specification and claims, a given chemical
formula or name shall encompass all optical and stereoisomers as
well as racemic mixtures where such isomers and mixtures exist.
I. General Considerations
[0069] As disclosed herein, malignant cells, pre-malignant cells,
and other abnormal cells frequently express COX-2, whereas most
normal tissues do not. This difference in COX-2 expression provides
a biological rationale for developing various interventional
methodologies, including, but not limited to the use of selective
COX-2 inhibitors to specifically deliver therapeutics and/or
diagnostic reagents to these cells.
[0070] The presently disclosed subject matter thus provides methods
and compositions that can be employed to image neoplastic and
pre-neoplastic cells that express COX-2. This provides several
benefits, including diagnosing the presence of such cells, and also
provides the medical professional with an ability to monitor the
response of the cells to anti-tumor therapies such as radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.
[0071] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
and compositions that can be employed to treat disorders associated
with the presence in a subject of neoplastic and/or pre-neoplastic
cells and tissues, and other abnormal cells and tissues. For
example, the methods and compositions disclosed herein can be
employed to enhance the delivery of drugs to COX-2-expressing cells
versus normal cells that do not express COX-2. This can yield an
improved therapeutic index and can allow higher doses of cytotoxic
therapeutics to be administered to a subject.
[0072] And finally, given that COX-2 is also overexpressed in
various inflammatory conditions, the methods and compositions
disclosed herein can also be employed to diagnose and/or treat
inflammatory disorders including, but not limited to pancreatitis
and inflammatory bowel disease.
II. Therapeutic and/or Diagnostic Agents
[0073] The presently disclosed subject matter provides in some
embodiments cyclooxygenase-2-selective therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agents. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed
subject matter provides multicomponent compositions comprising (i)
a secondary amide or ester derivative of a carboxylic
acid-containing NSAID; (ii) an active agent comprising a detectable
moiety and/or a therapeutic moiety; and (iii) a tether that
covalently links the first and second components.
[0074] II.A. Derivatives of Carboxylic Acid-Containing NSAIDS
[0075] In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter
provides a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or a
derivative thereof, that comprises a carboxylic acid moiety as a
starting material. Many NSAIDs contain a carboxylic acid moiety,
and as disclosed in Kalgutkar et al. (2000) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
97, 925-930, the carboxylic acid moiety appears to be involved in
differences in the selectivity of binding of these NSAIDs between
COX-1 and COX-2. Exemplary NSAIDs that comprise a carboxylic acid
moiety that can be derivatized include, but are not limited to
fenamic acids, indoles, phenylalkanoic acids, phenylacetic acids,
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and combinations
thereof. More particularly, NSAIDs that can be derivatized include,
but are not limited to 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA),
6-methoxy-.alpha.-methyl-2-naphthylacetic acid, aceclofenac,
acelofenac, aceloferac, alcofenac, amfenac, aspirin, benoxaprofen,
bromfenac, carprofen, cidanac, clidanac, diclofenac, diflunisal,
efenamic acid, etodolac, etodolic acid, fenbufen, fenclofenac,
fenclorac, fenoprofen, fleclozic acid, flufenamic acid,
flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, idoprofen, indomethacin, indoprofen,
isofezolac, ketoprofen, ketorolac, loxoprofen, meclofenamate,
meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, naproxen, niflumic
acid, o-(acetoxyphenyl)hept-2-ynyl sulfide (APHS), orpanoxin,
pirprofen, pranoprofen, sulindac, suprofen, tolfenamic acid,
tolmetin, zaltoprofen, zomepirac, pharmaceutically acceptable salts
thereof, and combinations thereof.
[0076] Additionally, it is possible to modify certain NSAIDs that
do not contain a carboxylic acid moiety so that they do contain a
carboxylic acid moiety that can be modified as disclosed herein.
For example, the coxibs are COX-2-selective NSAIDs that, with the
exception of lumiracoxib, do not normally contain a carboxylic acid
moiety. Exemplary coxibs include, but are not limited to celecoxib,
valdecoxib, refecoxib, etoricoxib, parecoxib, and lumiracoxib.
[0077] As disclosed herein, various coxibs (e.g., celecoxib) can be
modified to contain a carboxylic acid moiety. For example, the
trifluoromethyl group of celecoxib can be modified to an
alkylcarboxylic acid group to produce a celecoxib analog with the
following structural formula:
##STR00026##
wherein R is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.3 and
NH.sub.2 and n=1-4. Using standard synthetic techniques, the
carboxylic acid group can thereafter be modified to an amide or an
ester, if desired, to create a celecoxib alkylamide or alkylester.
A therapeutic and/or diagnostic moiety can thereafter be complexed
to the celecoxib analog using a tether to produce a therapeutic
and/or diagnostic agent as disclosed herein. The therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent can have the following general structural
formula:
##STR00027##
wherein R and n are defined as above; R.sub.3 is selected from the
group consisting of CH.sub.3 and NH.sub.2; X comprises an active
agent (i.e., a therapeutic moiety and/or a diagnostic moiety); A
comprises a tether; and B is O or --NH.
[0078] In some embodiments, an NSAID is selected from the group
including but not limited to indomethacin, an indolyl amine, and a
celecoxib analog, wherein these compounds have the following
general formulas:
##STR00028##
[0079] These NSAIDs can be further derivatized, such that in some
embodiments therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents of the presently
disclosed subject matter comprise one of the following general
structural formulas:
##STR00029##
[0080] wherein: [0081] R.sub.1.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 branched alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 cycloalkyl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted
C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 to
C.sub.6 branched alkoxy, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryloxy, or
halo-substituted versions thereof, or R.sub.1 is halo where halo is
chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo; [0082] R.sub.2.dbd.C.sub.1 to
C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aroyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl,
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 heterocyclic alkyl or aryl with O, N or S in the
ring, O.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl-substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl,
alkyl-substituted or aryl-substituted C.sub.4 to C.sub.8
heterocyclic alkyl or aryl with O, N or S in the ring,
alkyl-substituted C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aroyl, or alkyl-substituted
C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 aryl, or halo-substituted versions thereof;
[0083] R.sub.3.dbd.C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl or branched alkyl,
NH.sub.2, or a dipolar N.sub.3 group; [0084] X comprises an active
agent; [0085] A comprises a tether; [0086] B is O or --NH; [0087] D
is halo, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, branched alkyl, or cycloalkyl;
and [0088] n is 0-4.
[0089] Throughout the specification, drawings, and claims, some
structural formulas are depicted without including certain methyl
groups and/or hydrogens. In the structural formulas, solid lines
represent bonds between two atoms, and unless otherwise indicated,
between carbon atoms. Thus, bonds that have no atom specifically
recited on one end and/or the other have a carbon atom at that
and/or the other end. For example, a structural formula depicted as
"--O--" represents C--O--C. Given that hydrogens are not explicitly
placed in all structural formulas, implicit hydrogens are
understood to exist in the structural formulas as necessary. Thus,
a structural formula depicted as "--O" can represent H.sub.3C--O,
as appropriate given the valences of the particular atoms.
[0090] As used herein, the term "alkyl" means in some embodiments
C.sub.1-10 inclusive (i.e. carbon chains comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms); in some embodiments C.sub.1-6
inclusive (i.e. carbon chains comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon
atoms); and in some embodiments C.sub.1-4 inclusive (i.e. carbon
chains comprising 1, 2, 3, or 4, carbon atoms) linear, branched, or
cyclic, saturated or unsaturated (i.e., alkenyl and
alkynyl)hydrocarbon chains, including for example, methyl, ethyl,
propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl,
ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, butadienyl,
propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, and allenyl groups.
[0091] The alkyl group can be optionally substituted with one or
more alkyl group substituents, which can be the same or different,
where "alkyl group substituent" includes alkyl, halo, arylamino,
acyl, hydroxy, aryloxy, alkoxyl, alkylthio, arylthio, aralkyloxy,
aralkylthio, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, oxo, and cycloalkyl. In this
case, the alkyl can be referred to as a "substituted alkyl".
Representative substituted alkyls include, for example, benzyl,
trifluoromethyl, and the like. There can be optionally inserted
along the alkyl chain one or more oxygen, sulfur or substituted or
unsubstituted nitrogen atoms, wherein the nitrogen substituent is
hydrogen, alkyl (also referred to herein as "alkylaminoalkyl"), or
aryl. Thus, the term "alkyl" can also include esters and amides.
"Branched" refers to an alkyl group in which an alkyl group, such
as methyl, ethyl, or propyl, is attached to a linear alkyl
chain.
[0092] The term "aryl" is used herein to refer to an aromatic
substituent, which can be a single aromatic ring or multiple
aromatic rings that are fused together, linked covalently, or
linked to a common group such as a methylene or ethylene moiety.
The common linking group can also be a carbonyl as in benzophenone
or oxygen as in diphenylether or nitrogen in diphenylamine. The
aromatic ring(s) can include phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl,
diphenylether, diphenylamine, and benzophenone among others. In
particular embodiments, the term "aryl" means a cyclic aromatic
comprising about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms, including 5 and
6-membered hydrocarbon and heterocyclic aromatic rings.
[0093] An aryl group can be optionally substituted with one or more
aryl group substituents which can be the same or different, where
"aryl group substituent" includes alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, hydroxy,
alkoxyl, aryloxy, aralkoxyl, carboxy, acyl, halo, nitro,
alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, acyloxyl,
acylamino, aroylamino, carbamoyl, alkylcarbamoyl, dialkylcarbamoyl,
arylthio, alkylthio, alkylene and --NR'R'', where R' and R'' can be
each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl and aralkyl. In this case,
the aryl can be referred to as a "substituted aryl". Also, the term
"aryl" can also included esters and amides related to the
underlying aryl group.
[0094] Specific examples of aryl groups include but are not limited
to cyclopentadienyl, phenyl, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyran,
pyridine, imidazole, isothiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, pyrazine,
pyrimidine, and the like.
[0095] The term "alkoxy" is used herein to refer to the --OZ.sup.1
radical, where Z.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of
alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, silyl groups, and
combinations thereof as described herein. Suitable alkoxy radicals
include, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, benzyloxy, t-butoxy, etc. A
related term is "aryloxy" where Z.sup.1 is selected from the group
consisting of aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted
heteroaryl, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aryloxy
radicals include phenoxy, substituted phenoxy, 2-pyridinoxy,
8-quinalinoxy, and the like.
[0096] The term "amino" is used herein to refer to the group
--NZ.sup.1Z.sup.2, where each of Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 is
independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen;
alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl,
heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, aryl, substituted
aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, silyl
and combinations thereof. Additionally, the amino group can be
represented as N.sup.+Z.sup.1Z.sup.2 Z.sup.3, with the previous
definitions applying and Z.sup.3 being either H or alkyl.
[0097] As used herein, the term "acyl" refers to an organic acid
group wherein the --OH of the carboxyl group has been replaced with
another substituent as represented by RCO--, wherein R is an alkyl
or an aryl group as defined herein). As such, the term "acyl"
specifically includes arylacyl groups, such as an acetylfuran and a
phenacyl group. Specific examples of acyl groups include acetyl and
benzoyl.
[0098] "Aroyl" means an aryl-CO-- group wherein aryl is as
previously described. Exemplary aroyl groups include benzoyl and 1-
and 2-naphthoyl.
[0099] "Cyclic" and "cycloalkyl" refer to a non-aromatic mono- or
multicyclic ring system of about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g.,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms. The cycloalkyl group can
be optionally partially unsaturated. The cycloalkyl group also can
be optionally substituted with an alkyl group substituent as
defined herein, oxo, and/or alkylene. There can be optionally
inserted along the cyclic alkyl chain one or more oxygen, sulfur or
substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms, wherein the nitrogen
substituent is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or aryl, thus providing a
heterocyclic group. Representative monocyclic cycloalkyl rings
include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Multicyclic
cycloalkyl rings include adamantyl, octahydronaphthyl, decalin,
camphor, camphane, and noradamantyl.
[0100] "Aralkyl" refers to an aryl-alkyl- group wherein aryl and
alkyl are as previously described. Exemplary aralkyl groups include
benzyl, phenylethyl, and naphthylmethyl.
[0101] "Aralkyloxyl" refers to an aralkyl-O-- group wherein the
aralkyl group is as previously described. An exemplary aralkyloxyl
group is benzyloxyl.
[0102] "Dialkylamino" refers to an --NRR' group wherein each of R
and R' is independently an alkyl group as previously described.
Exemplary alkylamino groups include ethylmethylamino,
dimethylamino, and diethylamino.
[0103] "Alkoxycarbonyl" refers to an alkyl-O--CO-- group. Exemplary
alkoxycarbonyl groups include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl,
butyloxycarbonyl, and t-butyloxycarbonyl.
[0104] "Aryloxycarbonyl" refers to an aryl-O--CO-- group. Exemplary
aryloxycarbonyl groups include phenoxy- and naphthoxy-carbonyl.
[0105] "Aralkoxycarbonyl" refers to an aralkyl-O--CO-- group. An
exemplary aralkoxycarbonyl group is benzyloxycarbonyl.
[0106] "Carbamoyl" refers to an H.sub.2N--CO-- group.
[0107] "Alkylcarbamoyl" refers to a R'RN--CO-- group wherein one of
R and R' is hydrogen and the other of R and R' is alkyl as
previously described.
[0108] "Dialkylcarbamoyl" refers to a R'RN--CO-- group wherein each
of R and R' is independently alkyl as previously described.
[0109] "Acyloxyl" refers to an acyl-O-- group wherein acyl is as
previously described.
[0110] "Acylamino" refers to an acyl-NH-- group wherein acyl is as
previously described.
[0111] "Aroylamino" refers to an aroyl-NH-- group wherein aroyl is
as previously described.
[0112] The term "amino" refers to the --NH.sub.2 group.
[0113] The term "carbonyl" refers to the --(C.dbd.O)-- group.
[0114] The term "carboxyl" refers to the --COOH group.
[0115] The term "hydroxyl" refers to the --OH group.
[0116] The term "hydroxyalkyl" refers to an alkyl group substituted
with an --OH group.
[0117] The term "mercapto" refers to the --SH group.
[0118] The term "oxo" refers to a compound described previously
herein wherein a carbon atom is replaced by an oxygen atom.
[0119] The term "nitro" refers to the --NO.sub.2 group.
[0120] The term "thio" refers to a compound described herein
wherein a carbon or oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom.
[0121] The term "sulfate" refers to the --SO.sub.4 group.
[0122] In some embodiments, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agents disclosed herein include a component comprising a derivative
of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As used herein,
the term "derivative" refers to a structural variant of a compound
in which one or more atoms have been changed to yield a new
compound containing one or more functional groups that differ from
the parent compound. This change can occur by any suitable process,
but typically occurs by reacting the NSAID with an intermediate,
wherein a group is transferred from the intermediate to the NSAID
to create a derivative.
[0123] NSAIDs that can be derivatized can intrinsically be COX-2
selective ligands. Alternatively, non-COX-2-selective NSAIDS can be
converted into COX-2-selective ligands for use in the methods
described herein. Methods for converting non-COX-2-selective NSAIDS
into COX-2-selective ligands include the methods generally set
forth in Kalgutkar et al. (1998) Science 280, 1268-1270; Kalgutkar
et al. (1998) J Med Chem 41, 4800-4818; Kalgutkar et al. (2000)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97, 925-930; Kalgutkar et al. (2000) J Med
Chem 43, 2860-2870; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,475,021; 5,973,191;
6,207,700; 6,284,918; 6,306,890; 6,399,647; and 6,762,182. Each of
these references is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. These methods include, but are not limited to, methods
for modifying NSAIDs to make them COX-2-selective, and methods for
converting NSAIDs into their respective neutral amide or ester
derivatives to make them COX-2 selective. These methods are useful
in making NSAID derivatives that covalently bind COX-2, as well as
in making NSAID derivatives that non-covalently bind COX-2.
[0124] To elaborate, novel approaches have recently been developed
that allow the facile conversion of non-selective NSAIDs into
highly selective COX-2-binding ligands (Kalgutkar et al. (1998)
Science 280, 1268-1270; Kalgutkar et al. (2000) Proc Natl Acad Sci
USA 97, 925-930). This is accomplished by conversion of the
carboxylic acid functional group, common to most NSAIDs, to a
derivative. Utilizing one strategy, it was discovered that several
carboxylic acid-containing NSAIDs can be transformed into highly
selective COX-2 ligands by converting them into neutral amide or
ester derivatives (Kalgutkar et al. (2000) J Med Chem 43,
2860-2870). This strategy has proven effective in the case of the
NSAIDs 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), meclofenamic acid,
ketorolac, and indomethacin. In the cases of ETYA, ketorolac, and
meclofenamic acid, their amide derivatives exhibit selective COX-2
inhibitory activity. Several of the most potent inhibitors are
haloalkyl or haloaryl amide derivatives, including the
p-fluorobenzylamide of ketorolac (IC.sub.50-COX-2=80 nM;
IC.sub.50-COX-1>65 .mu.M) and the p-fluorophenylamide of
indomethacin (IC.sub.50-COX-2=52 nM; IC.sub.50-COX-1>66
.mu.M).
[0125] A major effort in the development of COX-2-selective ligands
as derivatives of NSAIDs has focused on indomethacin as a parent
compound. Indomethacin, which is approximately 15-fold more potent
a ligand of COX-1 than COX-2, can be converted in a single step to
amide or ester derivatives that exhibit COX-2 selectivities of
greater than 1300-fold relative to COX-1 (see Kalgutkar et al.
(2000) J Med Chem 43, 2860-2870). Both amides and esters of
indomethacin are active, and a large number of alkyl and aromatic
substituents exhibit potent and selective COX-2 inhibition.
[0126] Thus, a derivative of an NSAID comprises in some embodiments
an ester moiety or a secondary amide moiety. In some embodiments, a
carboxylic acid group of the NSAID as been derivatized to an ester
or a secondary amide. In some embodiments, the secondary amide
derivative is selected from the group consisting of
indomethacin-N-methyl amide, indomethacin-N-ethan-2-ol amide,
indomethacin-N-octyl amide, indomethacin-N-nonyl amide,
indomethacin-N-(2-methylbenzyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-methylbenzyl) amide,
indomethacin-N--[(R)-.alpha.,4-dimethylbenzyl] amide,
indomethacin-N-((S)-.alpha.,4-dimethylbenzyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(2-phenethyl) amide, indomethacin-N-(4-fluorophenyl)
amide, indomethacin-N-(4-chlorophenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-acetamidophenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-methylmercapto)phenyl amide,
indomethacin-N-(3-methylmercaptophenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-methoxyphenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(3-ethoxyphenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(3-pyridyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-5-[(2-chloro)pyridyl] amide,
indomethacin-N-5-[(1-ethyl)pyrazolo] amide,
indomethacin-N-(3-chloropropyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-methoxycarbonylmethyl amide,
indomethacin-N-2-(2-L-methoxycarbonylethyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-2-(2-D-methoxycarbonylethyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-methoxycarbonylmethylphenyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(2-pyrazinyl) amide,
indomethacin-N2-(4-methylthiazolyl) amide,
indomethacin-N-(4-biphenyl) amide, and combinations thereof.
[0127] II.B. Tethers
[0128] The NSAID moiety and the active agent (e.g., the diagnostic
and/or therapeutic agent) can be attached to each other via a
tether. As used herein, the term "tether" refers to any molecule
that can be employed for linking a diagnostic and/or therapeutic
agent to an NSAID moiety. Any tether can be employed, provided that
the combination of the tether and the diagnostic and/or therapeutic
agent does not destroy the ability of the composition to
selectively bind to COX-2. An exemplary tether comprises C.sub.4 to
C.sub.10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, or functionalized alkyl.
[0129] In some embodiments, the tether is selected from the group
consisting of an alkylamide tether, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)
tether, an alkylpiperazone tether, and a 4-(amidomethyl)anilide
tether. As used herein, the phrase "alkylamide tether" refers to a
tether comprising an amide moiety to which the NSAID moiety is
attached. Representative alkylamide tethers include, but are not
limited to, the following:
##STR00030##
wherein an NSAID moiety or derivative thereof is linked to one end
of the tether, an active agent (e.g., a therapeutic and/or
diagnostic moiety) is linked to the other of the tether, and
m=0-3.
[0130] As used herein, the phrase "PEG tether" refers to a tether
comprising an amide moiety to which the NSAID moiety is attached to
the carbonyl carbon and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety is
attached to the amide nitrogen. Representative PEG tethers include,
but are not limited to, the following:
##STR00031##
wherein an NSAID moiety or derivative thereof is linked to one end
of the tether and an active agent (e.g., a therapeutic and/or
diagnostic moiety) is linked to the other of the tether
[0131] As used herein, the phrase "alkylpiperazine tether" refers
to a tether comprising a piperazine group. Representative
alkylpiperazine tethers include, but are not limited to, the
following:
##STR00032##
wherein an NSAID moiety or derivative thereof is linked to one end
of the tether and an active agent (e.g., a therapeutic and/or
diagnostic moiety) is linked to the other of the tether.
[0132] In some embodiments, the phrase "phenylene tether" refers to
a tether with a phenylene group. Representative phenylene tethers
include, but are not limited to, the following:
##STR00033##
wherein an NSAID moiety or derivative thereof is linked to one end
of the tether and an active agent (e.g., a therapeutic and/or
diagnostic moiety) is linked to the other of the tether.
[0133] Representative tethers include those depicted in FIG.
16.
[0134] II.C. Active Agents
[0135] The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents of the presently
disclosed subject matter comprise an active agent comprising a
therapeutic moiety and/or a diagnostic moiety. As used herein, the
phrase "active agent" thus refers to a component of the presently
disclosed therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents that provides a
therapeutic benefit to a subject and/or permits the medical
professional to visualize a cell or tissue in which the therapeutic
and/or diagnostic agents of the presently disclosed subject matter
accumulate.
[0136] II.C.1. Therapeutic Moieties
[0137] In some embodiments, an active agent comprises a
chemotherapeutic. Various chemotherapeutics are known to one of
ordinary skill in the art, and include, but are not limited to
alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (e.g., Chlorambucil,
Cyclophosphamide, Isofamide, Mechlorethamine, Melphalan, Uracil
mustard), aziridines (e.g., Thiotepa), methanesulfonate esters
(e.g., Busulfan), nitroso ureas (e.g., Carmustine, Lomustine,
Streptozocin), platinum complexes (e.g., Cisplatin, Carboplatin),
and bioreductive alkylators (e.g., Mitomycin C, Procarbazine); DNA
strand breaking agents (e.g., Bleomycin); DNA topoisomerase I
inhibitors (e.g., camptothecin and derivatives thereof including,
but not limited to 10-hydroxycamptothecin), DNA topoisomerase II
inhibitors (e.g., Amsacrine, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin,
Doxorubicin, Idarubicin, Mitoxantrone, Etoposide, Teniposide,
Podophyllotoxin); DNA minor groove binders (e.g., Plicamycin);
anti-metabolites such as folate antagonists (e.g., Methotrexate and
trimetrexate), pyrimidine antagonists (e.g., Fluorouracil,
Fluorodeoxyuridine, CB3717, Azacytidine, Cytarabine, Floxuridine),
purine antagonists (e.g., Mercaptopurine, 6-Thioguanine,
Fludarabine, Pentostatin), sugar modified analogs (e.g.,
Cyctrabine, Fludarabine), and ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors
(e.g., Hydroxyurea); tubulin interactive agents (e.g., Vincristine,
Vinblastine, Paclitaxel); adrenal corticosteroids (e.g.,
Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone);
hormonal blocking agents such as estrogens and related compounds
(e.g., Ethinyl Estradiol, Diethylstilbesterol, Chlorotrianisene,
Idenestrol), progestins (e.g., Hydroxyprogesterone caproate,
Medroxyprogesterone, Megestrol), androgens (e.g., Testosterone,
Testosterone propionate; Fluoxymesterone, Methyltestosterone),
leutinizing hormone releasing hormone agents and/or
gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (e.g., Leuprolide
acetate; Goserelin acetate), anti-estrogenic agents (e.g.,
Tamoxifen), anti-androgen agents (e.g., Flutamide), and
anti-adrenal agents (e.g., Mitotane, Aminoglutethimide). Other
chemotherapeutics include, but are not limited to Taxol, retinoic
acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., 13-cis-retinoic acid,
all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid), sulfathiazole,
mitomycin C, mycophenolic acid, and sulfadiethoxane. Representative
therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents of the presently disclosed
subject matter that comprise these chemotherapeutics include, but
are not limited to the Indo-Taxol analog Compound 27a;
Indo-Retinoic Acid analogs Compounds 27g, 27h, and 27s; and the
Indo-Sulfathiazole analogs Compounds 27j and 27k. See also FIG. 17
for additional representative therapeutic agents.
[0138] II.C.2. Detectable Moieties
[0139] In some embodiments, an active agent comprises a detectable
moiety. In some embodiments, a detectable moiety comprises a
fluorophore. Any fluorophore can be employed with the tethers and
COX-2-selective moieties of the presently disclosed subject matter,
provided that the combination of COX-2-selective moiety, tether,
and fluorophore retains COX-2 selectivity and is detectable after
administration to a subject. Representative fluorophores include,
but are not limited to 7-dimethylaminocoumarin-3-carboxylic acid,
dansyl chloride, nitrobenzodiazolamine (NBD), dabsyl chloride,
cinnamic acid, fluorescein carboxylic acid, Nile Blue,
tetramethylcarboxyrhodamine, tetraethylsulfohodamine,
5-carboxy-X-rhodamine (5-ROX), and 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (6-ROX).
It is understood that these representative fluorophores are
exemplary only, and additional fluorophores can also be employed.
For example, there the Alexa Fluor dye series includes at least 19
different dyes that are characterized by different emission
spectra. These dyes include Alexa Fluors 350, 405, 430, 488, 500,
514, 532, 546, 555, 568, 594, 610, 633, 635, 647, 660, 680, 700,
and 750 (available from Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, Calif., United
States of America), and the choice of which dye to employ can be
made by the skilled artisan after consideration of the instant
specification based on criteria including, but not limited to the
chemical compositions of the specific Alexa Fluors, the tether to
be employed, and the chemical structure of the derivative of the
NSAID, whether multiple detectable moieties are to be employed and
the emission spectra of each, etc.
[0140] Non-limiting examples of diagnostic agents that employ these
detectable moieties include the Dansyl analogs Compounds 27x, 27y,
and 27z; the Dabsyl analog Compound 27aa; the Coumarin analogs
Compounds 27 cc, 27ee, 27ff, and 27gg; the Cinnamyl analog Compound
27hh; the Indo-NBD analog Compound 27ii; the Fluoresceinyl analogs
Compounds 27ll, 27mm, and 27nn; the Nile Blue analog Compound 27uu;
the Carboxyrhodaminyl (ROX) analogs Compounds 27vv, 27aaa, 27eee,
27ggg, and 27hhh; and the Sulforhodaminyl analogs Compounds 27iii,
27jjj, 27kkk. Representative fluorescent celecoxib derivatives
include, but are not limited to the Sulforhodaminyl analog Compound
30f.
[0141] In some embodiments, a detectable moiety comprises a cyanine
dye. Non-limiting examples of cyanine dyes that can be tethered to
COX-2-selective moieties of the presently disclosed subject matter
include the succinimide esters Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy7, supplied by
Amersham Biosciences (Piscataway, N.J., United States of America).
Representative Cyanine dye analogs include, but are not limited to
the analog referred to herein as Compound 27ooo.
[0142] In some embodiments, a detectable moiety comprises a near
infrared (NIR) dye. Non-limiting examples of near infrared dyes
that can be tethered to COX-2-selective moieties of the presently
disclosed subject matter include NIR641, NIR664, NIT7000, and
NIT782. Non-limiting examples of diagnostic agents that employ
these detectable moieties include the analogs referred to herein as
Compounds 27 ppp, 27qqq, and 27ttt.
[0143] II.D. COX-2-Selective Compositions
[0144] The therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents disclosed herein
are COX-2-selective. As used herein, the phrase "COX-2-selective"
refers to a molecule that exhibits selective binding to a COX-2
polypeptide. As used herein, "selective binding" means a
preferential binding of one molecule for another in a mixture of
molecules. Typically, the binding of a ligand to a target molecule
can be considered selective if the binding affinity is about
1.times.10.sup.2 M.sup.-1 to about 1.times.10.sup.6 M.sup.-1 or
greater. In some embodiments, COX-2-selective therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent binds covalently to a COX-2 polypeptide. In some
embodiments, a COX-2-selective therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
binds non-covalently to a COX-2 polypeptide
[0145] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an evaluation
of the selectivity and efficacy of binding of the NSAID derivative
to the COX-2 enzyme, e.g., after the derivative is synthesized, can
be desirable. Methods of screening selective COX-2 inhibitors for
activity can be carried out in vitro and/or in intact cells, and
are known in the art. See e.g., Kalgutkar et al. (1998) Science
280, 1268-1270; Kalgutkar et al. (1998) J Med Chem 41, 4800-4818;
Kalgutkar et al. (2000) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97, 925-930;
Kalgutkar et al. (2000) J Med Chem 43, 2860-2870; and Kalgutkar et
al. (2002) Med Chem Left 12, 521-524. One example of an in vitro
screening method takes advantage of the fact that both human and
murine recombinant COX-2 can be expressed and isolated in pure form
from an Sf9 cell expression system. Briefly, typical assays involve
the incubation of COX-1 or COX-2 in a reaction mixture containing
100 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 500 .mu.M phenol and .sup.14C-arachidonic
acid for 30 seconds at 37.degree. C. COX-1, which is not readily
obtained in pure form from similar expression systems, can be
purified from ovine seminal vesicles by standard procedures.
Alternatively, membrane preparations from outdated human platelets
can provide a source of human COX-1. The NSAID derivative(s) that
is being screened for activity is added as a stock solution in
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) either concomitantly with the addition of
arachidonic acid (to test for competitive inhibition) or for
various periods of time prior to the addition of arachidonic acid
(to test for time-dependent inhibition). The reaction is stopped by
the addition of ethanol/methanol/1 M citrate, pH 4.0 (30:4:1). The
extracted products are separated by thin layer chromatography
(TLC), which allows quantitation of total product formation as well
as assessment of product distribution. This assay is useful to
define IC.sub.50 values for inhibition of either enzyme, and to
determine time-dependency of inhibition. It also provides
information concerning changes in products formed as a result of
inhibition. A representative assay is set forth in EXAMPLE 3.
[0146] While the TLC assay described above provides considerable
information, it is labor-intensive for screening large numbers of
candidate NSAID derivatives. Accordingly, as an alternative, a
simplified assay can be used. Incubation conditions can be
essentially as described above, except all candidate derivatives
are first screened at a concentration of 10 .mu.M with a
preincubation time of 30 minutes. The substrate need not be
radiolabeled, and the reaction can be stopped by the addition of 2
.mu.L of formic acid. Product formation can be quantitated by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercially
available kits. Compounds found to demonstrate potency and
selectivity against COX-2 can optionally be further evaluated by
the TLC assay. Other in vitro assay methods for screening NSAID
derivatives for activity (e.g., selectivity for the COX-2 enzyme)
can also be used by the skilled artisan.
[0147] As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, activity in
purified enzyme preparations as described above does not guarantee
that an NSAID derivative will be effective in intact cells. Thus,
NSAID derivatives that are identified as potentially useful in the
methods described herein can be further tested using, for example,
the RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. These cells are readily
available (for example, from the American Type Culture Collection
(ATCC),. Manassas, Va., United States of America) and are easily
cultured in large numbers. They normally express low levels of
COX-1 and very low to undetectable levels of COX-2. Upon exposure
to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), however, COX-2 levels
increase dramatically over the ensuing 24 hour period, and the
cells produce PGD.sub.2 and PGE.sub.2 from endogenous arachidonic
acid stores (generally, .about.1 nmol/10.sup.7 cells total PG
formation). After LPS exposure, the addition of exogenous
arachidonic acid results in the formation of additional PGD.sub.2
and PGE.sub.2 as a result of metabolism by the newly synthesized
COX-2.
[0148] This system provides a number of approaches for testing the
inhibitory potency of COX-2-selective ligands (e.g., inhibitors).
In general, following LPS activation, cells can be treated for 30
minutes with the desired concentrations of candidate derivative(s)
in DMSO. .sup.14C-arachidonic acid can be added, and the cells can
be incubated for 15 minutes at 37.degree. C. Product formation can
be assessed following extraction and TLC separation of the culture
medium. Alternatively, the effects of candidate derivatives on PG
synthesis from endogenous arachidonic acid can be assessed by
incubating cells with desired concentrations of candidate
derivatives 30 minutes prior to LPS exposure. Following a 24-hour
incubation, medium can be collected and extracted, and the amount
of PGD.sub.2 and/or PGE.sub.2 can be assayed by gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry, or ELISA. The latter method can prove to be
particularly useful, since NSAID derivatives are often found to be
more potent when assayed for activity using endogenous arachidonic
acid as opposed to exogenously supplied substrate.
[0149] The RAW264.7 assay is but one example of a cell-based assay
for screening the activity of NSAID derivatives; upon a review of
the present disclosure the skilled artisan will appreciate that
assays using alternative cell lines and methodologies can be
used.
III. Methods for Synthesizing COX-2-Selective Therapeutic and/or
Diagnostic Agents
[0150] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for synthesizing a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In some
embodiments, the methods comprise (a) providing a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or a derivative thereof, comprising
a carboxylic acid moiety; (b) derivatizing the carboxylic acid
moiety to a secondary amide or ester; and (c) complexing an active
agent to the secondary amide or ester, wherein (i) the active agent
comprises a therapeutic moiety, a diagnostic moiety, or both a
therapeutic moiety and a diagnostic moiety; (ii) the active agent
is complexed to the derivative of the NSAID via a tether; and (iii)
the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent selectively binds to
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
[0151] Any synthesis scheme can be employed for complexing a
secondary amide or ester derivative of an NSAID to a therapeutic
moiety, a diagnostic moiety, or both a therapeutic moiety and a
diagnostic moiety, and one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand what synthesis schemes can be employed based on the
selection of specific NSAID derivatives, specific therapeutic
and/or diagnostic moieties, and if desired, specific tethers.
[0152] Representative synthesis schemes are discussed in more
detail hereinbelow in the EXAMPLES and are presented in FIGS. 1-15.
It is understood that the representative schemes are non-limiting,
and further that the scheme depicted in FIG. 1 as being applicable
for synthesizing Indo-sulfathiazole analog Compound 27j can also be
employed with modifications that would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art after review of the instant specification
for synthesizing other NSAID-sulfathiazole analogs. Similarly, the
scheme depicted in FIG. 4 as applicable, for example, for
synthesizing Indo-Dansyl analog Compound 27z is equally applicable
for synthesizing any of the other Indo-Dansyl analogs disclosed
herein with minor modifications that would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. This scheme, for example, is also
understood to be applicable to synthesizing other NSAID-Dansyl
analogs, also by employing minor modifications of the disclosed
scheme that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0153] Similarly, the schemes depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 as being
applicable for synthesizing Indo-carboxyrhodaminyl analogs 27vv and
27eee can also be employed with modifications that would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the
instant specification for synthesizing other
NSAID-carboxyrhodaminyl analogs, and the scheme depicted in the
scheme depicted in FIG. 15 as being applicable for synthesizing
Indo-NIR analog Compound 27qqq can also be employed with
modifications that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art after review of the instant specification for synthesizing
other NSAID-NIR analogs.
IV. Methods of Using the Disclosed Therapeutic and/or Diagnostic
Agents
[0154] IV.A. Diagnosis and Imaging Methods
[0155] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for imaging a target cell in a subject. In some embodiments, the
method comprises (a) administering to the subject a diagnostic
agent under conditions sufficient for contacting the diagnostic
agent with the target cell, wherein the diagnostic agent comprises
a detectable moiety linked (e.g., covalently linked) via a tether
to a derivative of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID),
and further wherein the diagnostic agent selectively binds to COX-2
expressed by the target cell; and (b) detecting the detectable
moiety. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed methods employ
a diagnostic agent as disclosed herein.
[0156] Representative diagnostic agents of the presently disclosed
subject matter include, but are not limited to diagnostic agents
having the following structural formulas:
##STR00034## ##STR00035## ##STR00036## ##STR00037##
[0157] The term "target cell" refers to any cell or group of cells
present in a subject. This term thus includes single cells and
populations of cells. As such, the term includes, but is not
limited to, cell populations comprising glands and organs such as
skin, liver, heart, kidney, brain, pancreas, lung, stomach, and
reproductive organs. It also includes, but is not limited to, mixed
cell populations such as bone marrow. Further, it includes but is
not limited to such abnormal cells as neoplastic or tumor cells,
whether individually or as a part of solid or metastatic tumors.
The term "target cell" as used herein additionally refers to an
intended site for accumulation of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic
agent as described herein following administration to a subject. In
some embodiments, the methods of the presently disclosed subject
matter employ a target cell that is part of a tumor. In some
embodiments, the target cell is present in a tissue selected from
the group consisting of an inflammatory lesion and a tumor, and/or
is a neoplastic cell, a pre-neoplastic cell, or a cancer cell. In
some embodiments, the tumor is selected from the group consisting
of a primary tumor, a metastasized tumor, and a carcinoma. In some
embodiments, the tumor is selected from the group consisting of a
colon adenocarcinoma, an esophageal tumor, a bladder tumor, a
breast tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a lung tumor, a gastric tumor, a
hepatic tumor, a head and/or neck tumor, a cervical tumor, an
endometrial tumor, and a skin tumor. In some embodiments, the
inflammatory lesion is selected from the group consisting of a
colon polyp and Barrett's esophagus.
[0158] As used herein, the term "cancer" encompasses cancers in all
forms, including polyps, neoplastic cells, and pre-neoplastic
cells.
[0159] As used herein, the term "neoplastic" is intended to refer
to its ordinary meaning, namely aberrant growth characterized by
abnormally rapid cellular proliferation. In general, the term
"neoplastic" encompasses growth that can be either benign or
malignant, or a combination of the two.
[0160] The term "tumor" as used herein encompasses both primary and
metastasized solid tumors and carcinomas of any tissue in a
subject, including but not limited to breast; colon; rectum; lung;
oropharynx; hypopharynx; esophagus; stomach; pancreas; liver;
gallbladder; bile ducts; small intestine; urinary tract including
kidney, bladder and urothelium; female genital tract including
cervix, uterus, ovaries (e.g., choriocarcinoma and gestational
trophoblastic disease); male genital tract including prostate,
seminal vesicles, testes and germ cell tumors; endocrine glands
including thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary; skin (e.g., hemangiomas
and melanomas), bone or soft tissues; blood vessels (e.g., Kaposi's
sarcoma); brain, nerves, eyes, and meninges (e.g., astrocytomas,
gliomas, glioblastomas, retinoblastomas, neuromas, neuroblastomas,
Schwannomas and meningiomas). The term "tumor" also encompasses
solid tumors arising from hematopoietic malignancies such as
leukemias, including chloromas, plasmacytomas, plaques and tumors
of mycosis fungoides and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/leukemia, and
lymphomas including both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The
term "tumor" also encompasses radioresistant tumors, including
radioresistant variants of any of the tumors listed above.
[0161] In some embodiments, the tumor is selected from the group
consisting of a primary tumor, a metastasized tumor, and a
carcinoma.
[0162] The methods and compositions of the presently claimed
subject matter are useful for imaging of a target tissue in any
subject. Thus, the term "subject" as used herein includes any
vertebrate species, for example, warm-blooded vertebrates such as
mammals and birds. More particularly, the methods of the presently
disclosed subject matter are provided for the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic treatment of mammals such as humans, as well as those
mammals of importance due to being endangered (such as Siberian
tigers), of economic importance (animals raised on farms for
consumption by humans) and/or social importance (animals kept as
pets or in zoos) to humans, for instance, carnivores other than
humans (such as cats and dogs), swine (pigs, hogs, and wild boars),
ruminants and livestock (such as cattle, oxen, sheep, giraffes,
deer, goats, bison, and camels), and horses. Also provided is the
treatment of birds, including those kinds of birds that are
endangered or kept in zoos, as well as fowl, and more particularly
domesticated fowl or poultry, such as turkeys, chickens, ducks,
geese, guinea fowl, and the like, as they are also of economic
importance to humans. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal.
In some embodiments, the mammal is a human.
[0163] IV.B. Therapeutic Methods
[0164] IV.B.1. Generally
[0165] The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods
for treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
biological activity in a subject. As used herein, the phrase
"disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) biological
activity" refers to any medical condition at least one consequence
of which is caused by or results from a biological activity of a
COX-2 enzyme in a cell in the subject. It is understood that a
consequence that is caused by or results from a COX-2 biological
activity need not be caused by or result from a COX-2 biological
activity directly, but can also be caused by or result from
downstream effects of a COX-2 biological activity. Therefore, the
phrase "a disorder associated with a COX-2 biological activity"
encompasses any disorder in which a biological activity of COX-2
has any medically relevant consequence in the subject. Exemplary
disorders associated with a COX-2 biological activity include, but
are not limited to neoplasias and/or pre-neoplastic states (e.g.,
tumors, pre-neoplastic lesions, neoplastic cells, pre-neoplastic
cells, and cancer cells) and inflammatory states. In some
embodiments, a disorder associated with a COX-2 biological activity
comprises a disorder that a medical professional would believe
would be beneficially treated with a COX-2-selective inhibitor
(even if the COX-2-selective inhibitor might have otherwise
undesirable side effects).
[0166] In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering to
the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic
agent comprising a therapeutic moiety and a derivative of a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), wherein (i) the
therapeutic moiety and the derivative of a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are linked (e.g., covalently linked)
to each other via a tether; and (ii) the therapeutic agent
selectively binds COX-2. Exemplary therapeutic agents of the
presently disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to
analogs comprising the therapeutic active agents disclosed herein,
and also those having the structural formulas depicted in Tables 1
and 2. In some embodiments, the methods employ a therapeutic agent
having one of the following structural formulas:
##STR00038## ##STR00039## ##STR00040## ##STR00041##
[0167] It is noted that consistent with the presently disclosed
subject matter, a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent as disclosed
herein can have a beneficial therapeutic effect that does not
result from an activity of the active when the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent is administered to a subject. For example, in some
embodiments the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent of the
presently disclosed subject matter is also a COX-2-selective
inhibitor, and as such provides a therapeutic effect in a subject
that has a disorder associated with an undesirable COX-2 biological
activity. As such, the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents
disclosed herein can provide a beneficial therapeutic effect to a
subject that is in some embodiments a combination of the benefit
provided by the active agent (i.e., the chemotherapeutic) as well
as the benefit provided by the binding of the therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent to COX-2 (and in some embodiments, the inhibition
of the COX-2 enzyme that results) in the subject. In some
embodiments, the overall therapeutic benefit comprises a
cumulative, additive, or synergistic effect of the COX-2 binding
and the activity of the therapeutic moiety.
[0168] IV.B.2. Adjunct Therapies
[0169] The presently disclosed methods and compositions can also be
employed in conjunction with other therapies typically employed to
treat the relevant disorder associated with COX-2 biological
activity. As used herein, the phrase "combination therapy" refers
to any treatment wherein the methods and compositions disclosed
herein are used in combination with another therapy including, but
not limited to radiation therapy (radiotherapy), chemotherapy,
surgical therapy (e.g., resection), immunotherapy, photodynamic
therapy, and combinations thereof.
[0170] In some embodiments, the methods and compositions disclosed
herein are employed in a combination therapy with radiation
treatment. For such treatment of a tumor, the tumor is irradiated
concurrent with, or subsequent to, administration of a composition
as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the tumor is irradiated
daily for 2 weeks to 7 weeks (for a total of 10 treatments to 35
treatments). Alternatively, tumors can be irradiated with
brachytherapy utilizing high dose rate or low dose rate
brachytherapy internal emitters.
[0171] The duration for administration of a composition as
disclosed herein comprises in some embodiments a period of several
months coincident with radiotherapy, but in some embodiments can
extend to a period of 1 year to 3 years as needed to effect tumor
control. A composition as disclosed herein can be administered
about one hour before each fraction of radiation. Alternatively, a
composition can be administered prior to an initial radiation
treatment and then at desired intervals during the course of
radiation treatment (e.g., weekly, monthly, or as required). An
initial administration of a composition (e.g., a sustained release
drug carrier) can comprise administering the composition to a tumor
during placement of a brachytherapy after-loading device.
[0172] Subtherapeutic or therapeutic doses of radiation can be used
for treatment of a radiosensitized tumor as disclosed herein. In
some embodiments, a subtherapeutic or minimally therapeutic dose
(when administered alone) of ionizing radiation is used. For
example, the dose of radiation can comprise in some embodiments at
least about 2 Gy ionizing radiation, in some embodiments about 2 Gy
to about 6 Gy ionizing radiation, and in some embodiments about 2
Gy to about 3 Gy ionizing radiation. When radiosurgery is used,
representative doses of radiation include about 10 Gy to about 20
Gy administered as a single dose during radiosurgery or about 7 Gy
administered daily for 3 days (about 21 Gy total). When high dose
rate brachytherapy is used, a representative radiation dose
comprises about 7 Gy daily for 3 days (about 21 Gy total). For low
dose rate brachytherapy, radiation doses typically comprise about
12 Gy administered twice over the course of 1 month. .sup.125I
seeds can be implanted into a tumor can be used to deliver very
high doses of about 110 Gy to about 140 Gy in a single
administration.
[0173] Radiation can be localized to a tumor using conformal
irradiation, brachytherapy, stereotactic irradiation, or intensity
modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The threshold dose for
treatment can thereby be exceeded in the target tissue but avoided
in surrounding normal tissues. For treatment of a subject having
two or more tumors, local irradiation enables differential drug
administration and/or radiotherapy at each of the two or more
tumors. Alternatively, whole body irradiation can be used, as
permitted by the low doses of radiation required following
radiosensitization of the tumor.
[0174] Radiation can also comprise administration of internal
emitters, for example .sup.131I for treatment of thyroid cancer,
NETASTRON.TM. and QUADRAGEN.RTM. pharmaceutical compositions
(Cytogen Corp., Princeton, N.J., United States of America) for
treatment of bone metastases, .sup.32P for treatment of ovarian
cancer. Other internal emitters include .sup.125I, iridium, and
cesium. Internal emitters can be encapsulated for administration or
can be loaded into a brachytherapy device.
[0175] Radiotherapy methods suitable for use in the practice of
presently disclosed subject matter would be known to those of skill
in the art after consideration of the instant specification.
[0176] IV.C. Formulation
[0177] In some embodiments, a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent
of the presently disclosed subject matter comprises a
pharmaceutical composition that includes a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. Suitable formulations include aqueous and
non-aqueous sterile injection solutions that can contain
anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, bactericidal antibiotics,
and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the bodily
fluids of the subject; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile
suspensions, which can include suspending agents and thickening
agents. The formulations can be presented in unit-dose or
multi-dose containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and
can be stored in a frozen or freeze-dried (lyophilized) condition
requiring only the addition of sterile liquid carrier, for example
water for injections, immediately prior to use. Some exemplary
ingredients are sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in some embodiments
in the range of 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, in some embodiments about 2.0
mg/ml; and/or mannitol or another sugar, in some embodiments in the
range of 10 to 100 mg/ml, in some embodiments about 30 mg/ml;
and/or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Any other agents
conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in
question can be used.
[0178] The methods and compositions of the presently disclosed
subject matter can be used with additional adjuvants or biological
response modifiers including, but not limited to the cytokines
IFN-.alpha., IFN-.gamma., IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF, or other cytokine
affecting immune cells.
[0179] The methods and compositions of the presently disclosed
subject matter can also be employed in combination with a
potentiator. A "potentiator" can be any material that improves or
increases the efficacy of a pharmaceutical composition and/or acts
on the immune system. Exemplary potentiators are triprolidine and
its cis-isomer, which can be used in combination with
chemotherapeutic agents. Triprolidine is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,114,951. Other potentiators are procodazole
1H-Benzimidazole-2-propanoic acid; [.beta.-(2-benzimidazole)
propionic acid; 2-(2-carboxyethyl)benzimidazole; propazol)
Procodazole is a non-specific active immunoprotective agent against
viral and bacterial infections and can be used with the
compositions disclosed herein. Potentiators can improve the
efficacy of the disclosed compositions and can be used in a safe
and effective amount.
[0180] IV.D. Administration
[0181] Suitable methods for administration of a therapeutic and/or
diagnostic agent of the presently disclosed subject matter include,
but are not limited to peroral, intravenous, intraperitoneal,
inhalation, intravascular, subcutaneous, and intratumoral
administration. In some embodiments, intravascular administration
is employed. For delivery of compositions to pulmonary pathways,
compositions can be administered as an aerosol or coarse spray.
[0182] For diagnostic applications, a detectable amount of a
composition of the presently disclosed subject matter is
administered to a subject. A "detectable amount", as used herein to
refer to a diagnostic agent, refers to a dose of such a composition
that the presence of the composition can be determined in vivo or
in vitro. A detectable amount can vary according to a variety of
factors including, but not limited to chemical features of the
conjugate being labeled, the detectable label, labeling methods,
the method of imaging and parameters related thereto, metabolism of
the labeled conjugate in the subject, the stability of the label
(e.g., the half-life of a radionuclide label), the time elapsed
following administration of the conjugate prior to imaging, the
route of administration, the physical condition and prior medical
history of the subject, and the size and longevity of the tumor or
suspected tumor. Thus, a detectable amount can vary and is
optimally tailored to a particular application. After study of the
present disclosure, and in particular the Examples, it is within
the skill of one in the art to determine such a detectable
amount.
EXAMPLES
[0183] The following EXAMPLES provide illustrative embodiments. In
light of the present disclosure and the general level of skill in
the art, those of skill will appreciate that the following EXAMPLES
are intended to be exemplary only and that numerous changes,
modifications, and alterations can be employed without departing
from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Materials and Methods for Examples 1 and 2
[0184] HPLC-UV analysis was performed on a Waters 2695 Separation
Module in-line with a Waters 2487 Dual Wavelength Absorbance
detector (Waters Corp. Milford, Mass., United States of America).
Mass spectrometric analyses were performed on a Thermo-Electron
Surveyor (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass., United States of
America) pump and autosampler operated in-line with a Quantum
triple quadrupole instrument in ESI positive or negative ion mode.
Silica gel column chromatography was performed using Sorbent silica
gel standard grade, porosity 60 .ANG., particle size 32-63 .mu.m
(230.times.450 mesh), surface area 500-600 m.sup.2/g, bulk density
0.4 g/mL, pH range 6.5-7.5. All other reagents, purchased from the
Aldrich Chemical Company (Milwaukee, Wis., United States of
America), were used without further purification.
[0185] .sup.1H NMR was taken on a Bruker AV-I console operating at
400.13 MHz. 13C NMR was taken on a Bruker DRX console operating at
500.13 MHz (Bruker BioSpin Corp., Billerica, Mass., United States
of America). .sup.1H COSY experiments were acquired using a 9.4 T
Oxford magnet equipped with a Bruker AV-I console operating at
400.13 MHz. Experimental conditions included 2048.times.512 data
matrix, 13 ppm sweep width, recycle delay of 1.5 seconds and 4
scans per increment. The data was processed using squared sinebell
window function, symmetrized, and displayed in magnitude mode.
[0186] .sup.13C direct detection, HSQC and HMBC NMR experiments
were acquired using an 11.7 T Oxford magnet equipped with a Bruker
DRX console operating at 500.13 MHz. Experimental parameters for
.sup.13C direct detection experiments (acquired with .sup.1H
decoupling during the acquisition) included 32K data points, 230
ppm sweep width, a 20.degree. pulse tip-angle, a recycle delay of 2
seconds and 20,000 scans. Multiplicity-edited HSQC experiments were
acquired using a 2048.times.256 data matrix, a J(C--H) value of 145
Hz which resulted in a multiplicity selection delay of 34 ms, a
recycle delay of 1.5 seconds and 16 scans per increment along with
GARP decoupling on .sup.13C during the acquisition time (150 ms).
The data was processed using a p/2 shifted squared sine window
function and displayed with CH/CH.sub.3 signals phased positive and
CH.sub.2 signals phased negative. J.sub.1(C--H) filtered HMBC
experiments were acquired using a 2048.times.256 data matrix, a
J(C--H) value of 9 Hz for detection of long range couplings
resulting in an evolution delay of 55 ms, J.sub.1(C--H) filter
delay of 145 Hz (34 ms) for the suppression of one-bond couplings,
a recycle delay of 1.5 seconds and 128 scans per increment. The
HMBC data was processed using a p/2 shifted squared sine window
function and displayed in magnitude mode.
Example 1
Synthesis of Representative Therapeutic Analogs
[0187] Compound 27j: an Indo-Sulfathiazole Analog: Compound 27j was
synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 1. Briefly, Compound 27j
was synthesized by first complexing succinic anhydride with
sulfathiazole by reacting these compounds at room temperature for 6
hours in tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of triethylamine
(TEA) to produce succinylsulfathiazole as a white solid (67%
yield). The succinylsulfathiazole was then reacted for 2 hours at
room temperature with
O--(N-succinimidyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate
(TSTU) in dichloromethane in the presence of TEA to produce the
corresponding succinimidyl ester, which was reacted with
1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide in dichloromethane in the presence of TEA at room
temperature for 16 hours to produce Compound 27j as a yellow gummy
mass (45% yield). Compound 27j was characterized by NMR,
two-dimensional NMR, and mass spectroscopy.
[0188] Compound 30c: a Celecoxib Analog: Compound 30c,
3-[1-{p-(Sulfonamido)phenyl}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoic
acid, was synthesized by the method depicted in FIG. 2. Briefly,
4'-methylacetophenone and succinnic hydride were reacted in the
presence of lithium diisopropanolamine (LDA) and tetrahydrofuran
(THF) for 1 hour at -78.degree. C. to produce
p-tolyl-4,6-dioxohexanoic acid as a white solid (66% yield). Also
sulfanilamide has reacted with sodium nitrite (NaNO.sub.2) and
concentrated hydrochloric acid at 0-4.degree. C. for 30 minutes,
after which tin(II) chloride (SnCl.sub.2) was added and the
reaction allowed to continue for an additional 4 hours at 0.degree.
C. to produce 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride as a pale
yellow solid (55% yield). The 4,6,dioxo-6-p-tolylhexanoic acid and
the 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride were then complexed
for 16 hours at room temperature in the presence of triethanolamine
(TEA) in methanol to produce Compound 30c as a yellow solid (76%
yield).
[0189] Compound 30f: a Celecox-Sulforhodamine Analog: Compound 30f
was synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 3. Briefly, Compound
30c as synthesized as set forth hereinabove. Compound 30c was then
complexed with tert-butyl 2-aminoethylcarbamate for 16 hours at
room temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), and
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in mimethylformamide (DMF) to
produce tert-butyl
2-[3-{1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}propanamido]ethylca-
rbamate as a yellow solid (46% yield). This product was then
dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl (gas) for 2 hours
at room temperature, producing
N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-{1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}propa-
namide hydrochloride as a yellow solid (80% yield).
[0190]
N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-{1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl-
}propanamide hydrochloride was reacted with
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in dichloromethane for 5 minutes
at room temperature to produce
N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-{1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}propa-
namide which was then reacted with
5-(N-(14-carboxy-3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetradecyl)sulfamoyl)-2-(6-(diethylamin-
o)-3-(diethyliminio)-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzenesulfonate (produced as
disclosed hereinabove with respect to Compound 27iii) in the
presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), and
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in dichloromethane at room
temperature to produce Compound 30f as a dark red solid (57%
yield).
[0191] Taxol is one of the most important and promising anticancer
drug currently in the clinic. Taxol has antitubulin-assembly
activity. It is being used for the treatment of breast, lung,
ovarian, head, and neck cancers for more than a decade. Taxol has
three secondary hydroxyl groups and the exocyclic hydroxyl group is
less hindered for derivatization. Taxol was reacted with
indomethacin to synthesize INDO-Taxol conjugate Compound 27a (see
Table 1). The coupling reaction was carried out using EDC in
presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP. This ester was tested to
check the inhibitory activity against purified COX-2 or COX-1.
Although this compound did not inhibit either COX isozyme related
compounds, Compounds 27c and 27q selectively inhibited COX-2 (Table
1). The reason for this failure could be due to the lack of the
space at the entrance of the active site to accommodate the bulky
taxol moiety.
[0192] Structures and inhibitory profiles for additional
representative therapeutic analogs are presented in Table 2
below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Structures and Inhibitory Profiles of
Representative Therapeutic Agents Cmpnd Active Agent IC.sub.50
(nM).sup.a No. Tether (T) (Q) COX-1 COX-2 ##STR00042## 27a
##STR00043## Taxol >4000 >4000 27b ##STR00044## Taxol
>4000 >4000 27c ##STR00045## Taxol >4000 2200 27d
##STR00046## Taxol >4000 254 27e ##STR00047## Doxorubicin
>4000 >4000 27f ##STR00048## Mitomycin C >4000 >4000
27g ##STR00049## 13-cis-Retinoic acid >4000 454 27h ##STR00050##
All-trans- Retinoic acid >4000 107 27i ##STR00051##
13-cis-Retinoic acid >4000 107 27j ##STR00052## Sulfathiazole
>4000 960 27k ##STR00053## Sulfathiazole >4000 >4000 27l
##STR00054## Micophenolic acid >4000 >4000 27m ##STR00055##
Camptothecin >4000 >4000 27n ##STR00056## Podophyllotoxin
>4000 295 27o ##STR00057## Podophyllotoxin >4000 475 27p
##STR00058## Podophyllotoxin >4000 147 27q ##STR00059##
Podophyllotoxin >4000 254 27r ##STR00060## Podophyllotoxin
>4000 187 ##STR00061## 28a ##STR00062## Podophyllotoxin >4000
>4000 ##STR00063## 29a ##STR00064## Podophyllotoxin >4000
>4000 ##STR00065## 30a ##STR00066## Podophyllotoxin >4000
>4000 .sup.aAssayed against purified enzymes
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Structures and Inhibitory Profiles of
Additional Therapeutic Agents Cmpnd IC.sub.50 (nM)* IC.sub.50
(nM)** No. COX-2 COX-1 COX-2 COX-1 Retinoic Acid Analog 27s
##STR00067## 388 >25000 n.d. n.d. Sulfadimethoxane Analog 27u
##STR00068## 148 80 n.d. n.d. Perphenazine Analog 27v ##STR00069##
387 >25000 n.d. n.d. Piperazine Analog 27w ##STR00070##
>25000 1300 n.d. n.d. Celecoxib Analogs 29b ##STR00071## 2800
>25000 n.d. n.d. 29c ##STR00072## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d.
29d ##STR00073## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. 29e ##STR00074##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. 29f ##STR00075## >25000 >25000
n.d. n.d. 30b ##STR00076## 920 >25000 110 (M) >5000 (M) 30c
##STR00077## 8900 >25000 1400 (M) >5000 (M) 30d ##STR00078##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. 31 ##STR00079## >25000 >25000
n.d. n.d. *Assayed against purified enzymes; **Assayed in a
macrophage assay (M) or a cell viability assay (C); n.d.: not
determined
Example 2
Synthesis of Representative Diagnostic Analogs
[0193] Compound 27z: a Fluorescent Indo-Dansyl Analog: Compound 27z
was synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 4. Briefly,
indomethacin was complexed with N--BOC butanediamine for 16 hours
at room temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), dimethylaminopyridine
(DMAP), N,N'-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), and
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). A yellow solid corresponding to a
percent yield of 72% was obtained. This solid was then dissolved in
dichloromethane and treated with HCl (gas) for 2 hours at room
temperature, producing
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-
acetamide hydrochloride as a brown solid (98% yield), which was
reacted with triethylamine (TEA) in dichloromethane for 5 minutes
at room temperature prior to the addition of dansyl chloride.
Dansyl chloride was then added, and the reaction was allowed to
continue for 16 hours at room temperature, which produced Compound
27z as a yellow solid in a yield of 77%. Compound 27z was
characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy (MS).
[0194] Other Indo-Dansyl analogs, including Compound 27x and
Compound 27y were synthesized using similar strategies by varying
the length of the alkyl chain.
[0195] Compound 27aa: a Fluorescent Indo-Dabsyl Analog: Compound
27aa,
N-(2-Dabsylaminoethyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-
-3-yl} acetamide was synthesized by the method depicted in FIG. 5.
Briefly, indomethacin was complexed with
tert-Butyl-2-aminoethylcarbamate for 16 hours at room temperature
in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
A yellow solid of tert-Butyl
2-[2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamido]ethy-
lcarbamate was produced at 75% yield. This product was then
dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl (gas) for 2 hours
at room temperature, producing N-(2-Aminoethyl)-2-{1-(4
chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamide
hydrochloride as a brown solid with a yield of 98%, which was
reacted with triethylamine (TEA) in dichloromethane for 5 minutes
at room temperature prior to the addition of dabsyl chloride.
Dabsyl chloride was then added, and the reaction was allowed to
continue for 16 hours at room temperature, which produced Compound
27aa as a red solid in a yield of 61%.
[0196] Compound 27 cc: a Fluorescent Indo-Coumarinyl Analog:
Compound 27 cc,
N-{2-(Coumarin-3-carboxylamido)ethyl}-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methox-
y-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamide, was synthesized by the method
depicted in FIG. 6. Briefly, indomethacin was complexed with
tert-Butyl-2-aminoethylcarbamate for 16 hours at room temperature
in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
A yellow solid of tert-Butyl
2-[2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamido]ethy-
lcarbamate was produced as a yellow solid at 75% yield. This
product was then dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl
(gas) for 2 hours at room temperature, producing
N-(2-Aminoethyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride as a brown solid with a yield of 98%, which
was reacted with N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in
dichloromethane for 5 minutes at room temperature prior to the
addition of Coumarin-3-carboxylic acid,
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), and
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in dichloromethane. The reaction
proceeded for 16 hours at room temperature and produced Compound 27
cc as a yellow solid (35% yield).
[0197] Compound 27ff: an Indo-Coumarinyl Analog: Compound 27ff,
N-[2-{7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylamido}butyl]-2-{1-(4-chlorob-
enzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamide was synthesized
by the method depicted in FIG. 7. Briefly, indomethacin was
complexed with tert-Butyl-4-aminobutylcarbamate for 16 hours at
room temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). tert-Butyl
4-[2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamido]ethy-
lcarbamate was produced as a yellow solid at 72% yield. This
product was then dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl
(gas) for 2 hours at room temperature, producing
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride as a brown solid with a yield of 98%, which
was reacted with triethylamine (TEA) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
for 5 minutes at room temperature prior to the addition of
7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester.
The reaction proceeded for 16 hours at room temperature and
produced Compound 27ff as a yellow solid (67% yield).
[0198] Compound 27qq: an Indo-Coumarinyl Analog: Compound 27gg,
N-[3-{7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylamido}butyl]-2-{1-(4-chlorob-
enzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamide was synthesized
by the method depicted in FIG. 8. Briefly, indomethacin was
complexed with tert-Butyl-3-aminopropylcarbamate for 16 hours at
room temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). tert-Butyl
3-[2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamido]prop-
ylcarbamate was produced as a pale yellow solid at 70% yield. This
product was then dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl
(gas) for 2 hours at room temperature, producing
N-(4-qminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride as a brown solid with a yield of 98%, which
was reacted with triethylamine (TEA) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
for 5 minutes at room temperature prior to the addition of
7-(N,N-Diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester.
The reaction proceeded for 16 hours at room temperature and
produced Compound 27gg as a yellow solid (66% yield).
[0199] Compound 27ii: an Indo-NBD Analog: Compound 27ii,
N-([2-{4-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-ylamino)phenyl}acetamido]but-4-y-
l)-2-{1-(4-chloro
benzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]acetamide was synthesized
by the method depicted in FIG. 9. Briefly, indomethacin was
complexed with tert-Butyl-4-aminobutylcarbamate for 16 hours at
room temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), N,N-diisopropylethylamine
(DIPEA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). tert-Butyl
4-[2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamido]ethy-
lcarbamate was produced as a yellow solid at 72% yield. This
product was then dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with HCl
(gas) for 2 hours at room temperature, producing
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride as a brown solid with a yield of 98%. The
product was reacted with triethylamine (TEA) in dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO) for 5 minutes at room temperature, and
2-{4-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-ylamino)phenyl}acetic acid
succinimidyl ester was added. The reaction was allowed to continue
for 16 hours at room temperature, producing Compound 27ii as a
yellow solid (58% yield).
[0200] Compound 27qq: a Fluorescent Indo-Fluoresceinyl Analog:
Compound 27qq,
N-[(Fluorescein-6-carboxylamido)but-4-yl]-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5--
methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}acetamide was synthesized by the
method outlined in FIG. 10. Briefly, Briefly,
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-
acetamide hydrochloride was reacted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
and triethylamine (TEA) for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Fluorescein-6-carboxylic acid succinimidyl ester was added and the
reaction was allowed to continue for 16 hours at room temperature.
Compound 27qq was produced as a yellow solid (68% yield)
[0201] Compound 27uu: a Fluorescent Indo-Nile Blue Analog: Compound
27uu,
N-[5-)1-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-2-oxo-6,9,-
12,15-tetraoxa-3-azaoctadecanamido]-9H-benzo[a]penoxazin-9-ylidene)-N-ethy-
lethanaminium perchlorate, was synthesized by the method depicted
in FIG. 11. Briefly, indomethacin was complexed with ter-butyl
1-amino-3,6,9,12-tetraoxapentadecan-15-oate for 16 hours at room
temperature in the presence of
1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride
(EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), and
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in dichloromethane, after which
trifluoroacetic acid was added and the reaction continued for 2
hours at room temperature. A pale yellow oil was produced at 59%
yield. This pale yellow oil was reacted for 16 hours at room
temperature with 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDCl), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), and
N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in dichloromethane to produce
Compound 27uu as a blue solid (65% yield).
[0202] Compound 27vv: an Indo-6-ROX Analog: Compound 27vv was
synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 12. Briefly,
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-
acetamide hydrochloride was produced from indomethacin and
tert-butyl 4-aminobutylcarbamate as described hereinabove. The
1-(4-aminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride was reacted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
and triethylamine (TEA) for 5 minutes at room temperature, and the
product of this reaction was then complexed with
6-carboxy-X-rhodamine succinimidyl ester (6-ROX SE) for 16 hours at
room temperature in DMSO. Compound 27vv was produced as a blue
solid (64% yield). Compound 27vv was characterized by NMR,
two-dimensional NMR, and mass spectroscopy.
[0203] Compound 27eee: an Indo-5-ROX Analog: Compound 27eee was
synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 13. Briefly, Compound
27eee was synthesized using the same strategy as Compound 27vv,
except that 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine succinimidyl ester (6-ROX SE) was
substituted by 5-carboxy-X-rhodamine succinimidyl ester (5-ROX SE).
Compound 27eee was produced as a blue solid (60% yield). Compound
27eee was characterized by NMR, two-dimensional NMR, and mass
spectroscopy.
[0204] Compound 27iii: a Fluorescent Indo-Sulforhodaminyl Analog:
Compound 27iii,
5-(N-(23-(1-(4-chlorobenoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-15,-
22-dioxo-3,6,9,12-tetraoxa-16,21-diazatricosyl)sulfamoyl)-2-(6-(diethylami-
no)-3-(diethyliminio)-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzenesulfonate, was
synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 14. Briefly, ter-butyl
1-amino-3,6,9,12-tetraoxapentadecan-15-oate was reacted at room
temperature for 16 hours with
5-(chlorosulfonyl)-2-(6-(diethylamino)-3-(diethyliminio)-3H-xanthen-9-yl)-
benzenesulfonate in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) and
dichloromethane, after which trifluoroacetic acid was added and the
reaction allowed to continue for 2 hours at room temperature to
produce
5-(N-(14-carboxy-3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetradecyl)sulfamoyl)-2-(6-(diethylamin-
o)-3-(diethyliminio)-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzenesulfonate as a dark red
solid with 30% yield. The dark red solid was then reacted for 16
hours at room temperature with
N-(4-Aminobutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl}-
acetamide hydrochloride in the presence of
O--(N-succinimidyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate
(TSTU) and triethylamine (TEA) to produce Compound 27iii as a dark
red solid (70% yield).
[0205] Compound 27qqq: an Indo-NIR Dye Analog: Compound 27qqq was
synthesized by the method outlined in FIG. 15. Briefly,
N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-
acetamide hydrochloride was reacted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
and triethylamine (TEA) for 5 minutes at room temperature. The
product of this reaction was then complexed with NIR664
succinimidyl ester by incubation at room temperature for 2 days in
DMSO to produce Compound 27qqq as a blue solid (68% yield). A
similar strategy employing an NIR700 succinimidyl ester was
employed to produce Compound 27ttt. Compound 27qqq was
characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy.
[0206] A poly ethylene glycol (PEG4) tether (linker 10, FIG. 16)
was added between INDO and Taxol moieties to generate Compound 27b.
This molecule showed a sleight inhibition (25%) for COX-2 with no
inhibition for COX-1. However, the INDOPEG4-acid was a
non-selective COX inhibitor having an IC.sub.50 of 4 .mu.M for
COX-1.
[0207] When PEG-4 linker was replaced by linker 8 (FIG. 16), a
monoamido-diester conjugate, Compound 27c, was formed, which
inhibited COX-2 selectively (IC.sub.50 COX-2=2.2 .mu.M) with an
insufficient potency. However, the INDO-alkanol was a highly potent
and selective COX-2 inhibitor and the corresponding
succinyl-derivative was a potent non-selective COX-inhibitor. The
potency was dramatically increased with Compound 27d where a
phenylelenediamido-monoester linker was used between indomethacin
and taxol. This compound showed highly potent and selective
inhibition of COX-2 with an IC.sub.50 at 254 nM concentration. The
Compound 27d was synthesized from the reaction of indomethacin with
4-{(N--BOC)aminomethyl}aniline in the presence of
ethyl-1-{3-(dimethylamino)propyl}-3-ethylcarbodiamide (EDCl)
followed by treatment with HCl (gas) to give the corresponding
INDO-phenylenamidomethylamine hydrochloride salts. This
INDO-phenylenamidomethylamine hydrochloride was reacted with
succinic anhydride to form the corresponding succinyl-derivative,
which was esterified with taxol to give the target Compound
27d.
[0208] Conjugation of indomethacin with doxorubicin or mitomycin C
using a PEG4 linker gave conjugates Compounds 27e and 27f.
Unfortunately, they showed little inhibitory activity against COX
enzymes.
[0209] Retinoic acids are ligands for retinoic acid receptor and
act as a transcription factor to regulate the growth and
differentiation of normal and malignant cells. The 13-cis-retinoic
acid is being used to treat severe acne. It is also been used in
the prevention of certain skin cancers. Therefore, it was decided
to conjugate 13-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans retinoic acid with
indomethacin using ethylenediamide linkage.
[0210] The conjugate chemistry afforded Compounds 27g and 27h.
Interestingly, both the compounds inhibited COX-2 in a highly
selective fashion. The 13-cis-retinoic acid conjugate Compound 27g
showed inhibitory activity against COX-2 with an IC.sub.50 at 454
nM concentration. A dramatic increase in potency was observed with
all-trans-retinoic acid conjugate Compound 27h, which inhibited
COX-2 in a highly selective manner with an IC.sub.50 of 107 nM. The
reaction of indomethacin with mono BOC-protected ethylenediamine in
the presence of
ethyl-1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiamide (EDCl)
followed by treatment with HCl (gas) gave the corresponding
INDO-amidoethylamine hydrochloride salts, which was treated with
DIPEA followed by a coupling reaction with 13-cis-retinoic acid
using EDCl, HOBt, and DIPEA to give the target Compound 27g in 65%
yield. The all-trans-retinoic acid conjugate Compound 27h was
synthesized in a similar manner. In addition, 13-cis retinoic acid
conjugate Compound 27i having an amidoester linkage was
synthesized, which inhibited COX-2 selectively (COX-2 IC.sub.50=107
nM).
[0211] An in vitro metabolism study was performed with Compound 27i
using 1483 HNSCC cells to check the enzymatic (esterase) hydrolysis
of the conjugate and identify metabolites up to 24 hours (h). Using
a C-12 RP-HPLC, the disappearance of the parent conjugate Compound
27i was assayed (t.sub.1/2=5.5 hour; Compound 27i remained 25% up
to 24 hours). As expected, the concentration of alcohol was
gradually increased up to 75% at 24 hours.
[0212] In addition, INDO-sulfathiazole conjugate Compound 27j, also
described in EXAMPLE 1 containing a triamide linker was
synthesized, which showed selective COX-2 inhibition (COX-2
IC.sub.50=960 nM). This compound was synthesized from the reaction
of succinyl sulfathiazole and INDO-amidobutylamine using TSTU
coupling reagent. Succinyl sulfathiazole was synthesized from the
reaction of sulfathiazole and succinic anhydride using TEA as a
base. Unfortunately, the piperazine tethered conjugate Compound 27k
showed no COX inhibitory activity. Both mycophenolic acid conjugate
Compound 27l and camptothecin conjugate Compound 27m showed slight
inhibition for COX-2 with no inhibition for COX-1.
[0213] Podophyllotoxin is a topoisomerse II inhibitor. Etoposide or
teniposide are the derivatives of podophyllotoxin and used in the
clinic for the treatment of lung cancer, testicular cancer,
lymhoma, non-lymphocytic leukemia, glioblasma, etc. Accordingly,
podophyllotoxin was selected for conjugation with indomethacin,
reverse-indomethacin, and celecoxib analogs. Podophyllotoxin
conjugated reverse-indomethacin (Compound 28a) or carboxyl
derivatives of celecoxib (Compounds 29a and 30a) were found to be
inactive against COX isozymes. However, when podophyllotoxin was
conjugated with indomethacin through a diamido-ester linkage to
form Compound 27n, COX-2 selective COX-2 inhibition was observed
(COX-2 IC.sub.50=295 nM). A decrease of potency was estimated with
the conjugate Compound 27o when the conjugate was formed with a
two-carbon shorter linker (COX-2 IC.sub.50=475 nM).
[0214] The potency was recovered with Compound 27p upon
incorporation of an n-butylamido-diester linkage between INDO and
podophyllotoxin (Compound 27p, COX-2 IC.sub.50=147 nM). A slight
decrease of potency was observed with the conjugate Compound 27q,
where a chain that was two carbons shorter was employed, which
showed selective COX-2 IC.sub.50 at 254 nM concentration.
Interestingly, replacement of n-butylamido-diester linkage (of
Compound 27p) with diamidophenylene-monoester gave Compound 27r,
which inhibited COX-2 with a high potency and selectivity (COX-2
IC.sub.50 of 187 nM) comparable to Compound 27p.
[0215] In conclusion, indomethacin, rev-indomethacin, and
carboxyl-celecoxibs were conjugated with taxol, doxorubicin,
mitomycin C, retinoic acids, mycophenolic acid, sulfathioazole,
camptothecin, and podophyllotoxin using alkyl, PEG, aryl, or
piperazine tethers containing amido/ester linkages. A SAR-study
identified Compounds 27i (COX-2 IC.sub.50 at 107 nM), 27p (COX-2
IC.sub.50 at 147 nM), 27r (COX-2 IC.sub.50 at 187 nM), 27d (COX-2
IC.sub.50 at 254 nM) and 27q (COX-2 IC.sub.50 at 254 nM) as
particularly promising compounds of the series. In an in vitro
metabolism study of Compound 27i with 1483 HNSCC cells, selectively
hydrolyzed products were characterized by RP-HPLC analysis.
[0216]
3-[1-{p-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoi-
c acid (Compound 27e).
3-[1-{p-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoic
acid (Compound 27e) was synthesized essentially as described in
Murry et al. (1991) Synthesis 1, 18-20. Briefly,
p-methanesulfonylphenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (10 mmol) was added
to a stirred solution of p-tolyl-4,6-dioxohexanoic acid (10 mmol)
in MeOH (75 mL), followed by the addition of TEA (10 mmol) and
stirred for 16 h at 25.degree. C. The mixture was then concentrated
in vacuo to a residue, which was partitioned between Et2O (75 mL)
and 5% aq HCl (75 mL). The ether layer was separated, washed with
5% aq HCl (2.times.20 mL), and brine (20 mL), dried (Na2 SO4, 500
mg), filtered and concentrated to a residue. The crude residue was
purified using a silica gel gravity column chromatography (35:7:1
CHCl.sub.3:MeOH:NH.sub.4OH) to give 3-[1-{p-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl
}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoic acid as a yellow solid
(Compound 27e; 76%). .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 2.36
[s, 3H, CH.sub.3 (tolyl)], 2.78 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2),
3.00-3.08 (m, 5H, SO.sub.2CH.sub.3 and CH.sub.2), 6.33 (s,
C.dbd.CH), 7.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H, p-tolyl H-3, H-5), 7.12 (d, J=8.5
Hz, 2H, p-tolyl H-2, H-6), 7.45 [d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H,
p-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl H-2, H-6], 7.85 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H,
p-(methanesulfonyl)phenyl H-3, H-5), 12.15 (s, 1H, CO.sub.2H). Mass
(ESI) (M+1) calcd for C.sub.20H.sub.20N.sub.2O.sub.4S 385.11. found
385.00.
[0217]
3-[1-{p-(Sulfonamido)phenyl}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoic
acid (Compound 30c). A mixture of p-tolyl-4,6-dioxohexanoic acid
(20 mmol), p-(sulfonamido)phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (20 mmol),
and TEA (20 mmol) in MeOH (150 mL) was stirred at 25.degree. C. for
16 h. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo to a residue,
which was partitioned between Et.sub.2O (150 mL) and 5% aq HCl (150
mL). The ether layer was separated, washed with 5% aq HCl
(2.times.40 mL), and brine (40 mL), dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, 1 g),
filtered and concentrated to a residue. The crude residue was
purified using a silica gel gravity column chromatography (35:7:1
CHCl.sub.3:MeOH:NH.sub.4OH) to give 3-[1-{p-(sulfonamido)phenyl
}-5-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]propanoic acid (Compound 30c) as a
yellow solid (70%). .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) .delta. 2.30 [s,
3H, CH.sub.3 (tolyl)], 2.65 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.87 (t,
J=8.0 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 6.47 (s, C.dbd.CH), 7.10 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H,
p-tolyl H-3, H-5), 7.20 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H, p-tolyl H-2, H-6), 7.37
[d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, p-(sulfonamido)phenyl H-2, H-6], 7.42 (s, 2H,
SO.sub.2NH.sub.2), 7.75 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, p-(sulfonamido)phenyl
H-3, H-5), 10.42 (s, 1H, CO.sub.2H). Mass (ESI) (M-1) calcd for
C.sub.19H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.4S 384.11. found 384.28.
[0218]
N-(4-Hydroxybutyl)-2-{1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-ind-
ol-3-yl}acetamide. To a stirred solution of indomethacin (3.57 g,
10 mmol) in DMF was added 4-hydroxybutylamine (4.64 g), HOBt (2.02
g, 15 mmol), DIPEA (3.88 g, 30 mmol), EDCl (2.10 g, 11 mmol) at
25.degree. C. The resultant solution was stirred for 16 h at
25.degree. C. Removal of solvent in vacuo afforded a residue, where
100 mL water was added and extracted with EtOAc (3.times.75 mL).
Combined organic layers were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Solvent
was evaporated completely and the obtained mass was dissolved in
CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (40 mL), then HCl (gas) was bubbled for 2 h at
25.degree. C. Removal of solvent in vacuo afforded a yellow
residue, where n-hexane was added (20 mL) and stirred for 30 min to
a make good slurry, which was filtered to afford the desired
N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-y-
l]acetamide as yellow solid (2.5 g, 70%). .sup.1H NMR (500 MHz,
DMSO-d6) .delta. 1.44-1.52 (m, 2H, CCH.sub.2CC), 1.53-1.59 (m, 2H,
CCCH.sub.2C), 2.23 (s, 3H, CH.sub.3), 3.03-3.08 (m, 2H,
CH.sub.2CCC), 3.52 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2CO), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH.sub.3),
3.77-3.78 (m, 2H, CCCCH.sub.2), 4.53 (br s, 1H, OH), 6.684 (dd,
J=9, 2.4 Hz, 1H, indolyl H-6), 6.916 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H, indolyl H-7),
7.144 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H, indolyl H-4), 7.64 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H,
p-chlorobenzoyl H-3, H-5), 7.67 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H, p-chlorobenzoyl
H-2, H-6), 8.24 (br s, 1H, NHCO). Mass (ESI) (M+Na) calcd for
C.sub.23H.sub.25ClN.sub.2O.sub.4Na 451.15. found 451.04.
[0219] Succinylpodophyllotoxin. Succinic anhydride (0.9 g) was
added to a solution of podophyllotoxin (207.2 mg, 0.5 mmol) in
pyridine (12 mL). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred for 16
h at 25.degree. C. Removal of solvent in vacuo afforded a residue.
The crude residue was purified using a silica gel gravity column
chromatography (35:7:1 CHCl.sub.3:MeOH:NH.sub.4OH) to give
succinylpodophyllotoxin as white solid (198.5 mg, 80%) .sup.1H NMR
(500 MHz, DMSO-d6) .delta. 2.10 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H, H-4), 2.32 (dd,
J=12.6, 4.8 Hz, 1H, H-2), 2.53 (m, 1H, H-3), 3.52 (s, 3H, OMe
H-4'), 3.65 (dd, J=10.5, 7.5 Hz, 2H, H-11), 3.82 (s, 6H, two OMe
groups, H-3' and H-5'), 4.15 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 4.26 (t,
J=7.9 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 4.51 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H, H-1), 5.89 (s, 2H,
OCH.sub.2O), 6.00 (s, 2H, H-2', H-6'), 6.67 (s, 1H, H-8), 6.94 (s,
1H, H-5), 12.15 (s, 1H, CO.sub.2H). Mass (ESI) (M-1) calcd for
C.sub.26H.sub.26N.sub.2O.sub.11 513.15. found 512.93.
[0220] Compound 27p. To a stirred solution succinylpodophyllotoxin
(51 mg, 0.1 mmol) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added EDCl (25 mg, 0.13
mmol) and DMAP (2 mg) at 25.degree. C. followed by
N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-y-
l]acetamide (43 mg, 0.1 mmol). The resultant solution was stirred
for 16 h at 25.degree. C. Removal of solvent in vacuo afforded a
residue, which was purified using a silica gel gravity column
chromatography (35:7:1 CHCl.sub.3:MeOH:NH.sub.4OH) to give the
target conjugate Compound 27p in (27 mg) 55% yield. .sup.1H NMR
(500 MHz, DMSO-d6) .delta. 1.42-1.47 (m, 2H, CCH.sub.2CC),
1.50-1.55 (m, 2H, CCCH.sub.2C), 2.12 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H, podoH-4),
2.24 (s, 3H, CH.sub.3), 2.34 (dd, J=12.6, 4.8 Hz, 1H, podoH-2),
2.51 (m, 1H, podoH-3), 3.05-3.09 (m, 2H, CH.sub.2CCC), 3.57 (s, 3H,
podo-OMe (H-4')), 3.66 (dd, J=10.5, 7.5 Hz, 2H, podoH-11), 3.75 (s,
2H, CH.sub.2CO), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH.sub.3), 3.84 (s, 6H, two podo-OMe
groups, (H-3' and H-5')), 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH.sub.3), 4.17 (t, J=7.9
Hz, 2H, succinylCH.sub.2), 4.22 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H,
succinylCH.sub.2), 4.23-4.33 (m, 2H, CCCCH.sub.2), 4.55 (d, J=5.4
Hz, 1H, podoH-1), 5.99 (s, 2H, podo-OCH.sub.2O), 6.12 (s, 2H,
podoH-2', podoH-6'), 6.57 (s, 1H, podoH-8), 6.67 (dd, J=9, 2.4 Hz,
1H, indolyl H-6), 6.85 (s, 1H, podoH-5), 6.92 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H,
indolyl H-7), 7.15 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H, indolyl H-4), 7.64 (d, J=8.8
Hz, 2H, p-chlorobenzoyl H-3, H-5), 7.87 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H,
p-chlorobenzoyl H-2, H-6), 8.54 (m, 1H, NHCO). Mass (ESI) (M+Na)
calcd for C.sub.49H.sub.49ClN.sub.2O.sub.14 947.29. found
947.27.
[0221] Structures, inhibitory profiles, and fluorescence data for
representative diagnostic agents are presented in Table 3
below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Structures, Inhibitory Profiles, and
Fluorescence Data for Representative Diagnostic Agents Fluor.***
Cmpnd IC.sub.50 (nM)* IC.sub.50 (nM)** .lamda..sub.ex No. COX-2
COX-1 COX-2 COX-1 .lamda..sub.em Dansyl Analogs 27x ##STR00080## 66
>25000 30 >1000 355 nm 493 nm 27y ##STR00081## 75 >25000
40 >1000 343 nm 497 nm 27z ##STR00082## 67 >25000 60 >1000
324 nm 504 nm 27aa ##STR00083## 80 >25000 180 >2500 390 nm
450 nm 27bb ##STR00084## 134 214 n.d. n.d. n.d. Coumarinyl Analogs
27cc ##STR00085## 789 >25000 100 >25000 340 nm 405 nm 27dd
##STR00086## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ee ##STR00087##
600 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ff ##STR00088## 31 >25000 n.d.
n.d. n.d. 27gg ##STR00089## 53 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 28b
##STR00090## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. Cinnamyl Analog
27hh ##STR00091## 510 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. NBD Analogs 27ii
##STR00092## 500 >25000 570 >10000 492 nm 605 nm 28c
##STR00093## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. Fluoresceinyl
Analogs 27jj ##STR00094## >25000 5354 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27kk
##STR00095## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ll ##STR00096##
3100 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27mm ##STR00097## 3200 22500 n.d.
n.d. n.d. 27nn ##STR00098## 2900 10400 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27oo
##STR00099## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27pp ##STR00100##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27qq ##STR00101## >25000
>25000 188 >5000 n.d. 27rr ##STR00102## >25000 >25000
n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ss ##STR00103## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d.
27tt ##STR00104## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 28d
##STR00105## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. Nile Blue Analogs
27uu ##STR00106## 1700 >25000 85 >25000 618 nm 670 nm 29g
##STR00107## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. Carboxyrhodaminyl
Analogs 27vv ##STR00108## 3500 >25000 360 >5000 581 nm 603 nm
27ww ##STR00109## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27xx
##STR00110## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27yy ##STR00111##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27zz ##STR00112## >25000
>25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27aaa ##STR00113## 3900 >25000 n.d.
n.d. n.d. 27bbb ##STR00114## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d.
27ccc ##STR00115## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ddd
##STR00116## >25000 1800 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27eee.sup.(1)
##STR00117## 700 >25000 320 >5000 n.d. 27fff ##STR00118##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ggg ##STR00119## 2800 500 n.d.
n.d. n.d. 27hhh ##STR00120## 1300 5800 n.d. n.d. n.d. 28e
##STR00121## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 28f ##STR00122##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 29h ##STR00123## >25000
>25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 30e ##STR00124## >25000 >25000 n.d.
n.d. n.d. 32 ##STR00125## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d.
Sulforhodaminyl Analogs 27iii ##STR00126## 160 >25000 2000
>5000 571 nm 293 nm 27jjj ##STR00127## 1200 >25000 n.d. n.d.
n.d. 27kkk ##STR00128## 1100 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27lll
##STR00129## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 30f ##STR00130##
25000 >25000 500 (M) >5000 (M) n.d. Alexa Fluor Analog 27mmm
##STR00131## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. Cy Analogs 27nnn
##STR00132## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ooo ##STR00133##
1400 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. NIR Analogs 27ppp ##STR00134## 500
3400 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27qqq ##STR00135## 500 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d.
27rrr ##STR00136## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27sss
##STR00137## >25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27ttt ##STR00138##
1000 >25000 890 >5000 710 nm 731 nm 27uuu ##STR00139##
>25000 >25000 n.d. n.d. n.d. 27vvv ##STR00140## 3000 3000
n.d. n.d. n.d. *Assayed against purified enzymes; **Assayed in a
macrophage assay; *** Fluorescence in buffer; n.d.: not determined.
.sup.(1)also had an COX-2 IC.sub.50 in 1483 Cells of 92 nM.
Example 3
IC.sub.50 Determinations Using Purified Enzymes
[0222] Cyclooxygenase activity of ovine COX-1 (44 nM) or human
COX-2 (130 nM) was assayed by TLC. Reaction mixtures of 200 .mu.L
consisted of hematin-reconstituted protein in 100 mM Tris-HCl, pH
8.0, 500 .mu.M phenol, and [1-.sup.14C]-arachidonic acid (50 .mu.M,
.about.55-57 mCi/mmol; PerkinElmer Life And Analytical Sciences,
Inc., Wellesley, Mass., United States of America). For the
time-dependent inhibition assay, hematin-reconstituted protein was
preincubated at room temperature for 17 minutes and then at
37.degree. C. for 3 minutes with varying concentrations of the
presently disclosed compositions in DMSO followed by the addition
of [1-.sup.14C]-arachidonic acid (50 .mu.M) for 30 seconds at
37.degree. C. Reactions were terminated by solvent extraction in
Et.sub.2O/CH.sub.3OH/1 M citrate, pH 4.0 (30:4:1). The phases were
separated by centrifugation at 2000 g for 5 minutes and the organic
phase was spotted on a 20.times.20 cm TLC plate (Lieselgel 60, EMD
Chemicals, Inc., Gibbstown, N.J., United States of America). The
plate was developed in EtOAc/CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/glacial AcOH
(75:25:1) at 4.degree. C. Radiolabeled prostanoid products were
quantitatively determined with a radioactivity scanner available
from Bioscan, Inc. (Washington, D.C., United States of America).
The percentage of total products observed at different
concentrations of the presently disclosed compositions was divided
by the percentage of products observed for protein samples
preincubated for the same amount of time with DMSO.
Example 4
In Vitro Cell Imaging Assays with Representative Indo-ROX
Analogs
[0223] RAW264.7 cells (a line established from a tumor induced in a
mouse by Abelson murine leukemia virus and available from the
American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va., United States of
America) were grown overnight on 35 mm culture dishes (MatTek
Corp., Ashland, Mass., United States of America) with glass
coverslips in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) plus 10%
heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS). Platings of cells were
done in order to reach 30% confluency the next day. After overnight
growth, the growth medium was replaced with 2 ml serum-free DMEM
per dish. Individual dishes then received 200 ng/ml LPS plus 10
units/ml murine IFN.gamma. (Roche Applied Science, Indianapolis,
Ind., United States of America) for 6 hours to induce COX-2. After
6 hours, certain dishes were treated with 200 nM Compound 27vv
(IC.sub.50=360 nM) or 200 nM Compound 27ww, which differs from
Compound 27vv in that the latter has a tether that is shorter by 2
methylenes, for 30 minutes at 37.degree. C. After 30 minutes, the
cells were washed briefly three times in medium and incubated in
Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS)/Tyrode's for 60 minutes at
37.degree. C. After 60 minutes, the HBSS/Tyrode's was removed and
fresh HBSS/Tyrode's was added. The cells were immediately imaged
using a Zeiss Axiovert 25 Microscope (propidium iodide filter/2-3
sec exposure/gain of 2).
[0224] LPS activation enhanced imaging of RAW264.7 cells by
Compound 27vv, whereas pretreatment with indomethacin (20 .mu.M)
reduced the fluorescent signal. No fluorescence above background
was observed with Compound 27ww.
[0225] A second experimental design employed HEK293 cells (a cell
line generated by transformation of human embryonic kidney cell
cultures with adenovirus) that had been transformed with an
expression construct encoding a constitutively active human COX-2.
For imaging experiments, cells were also plated on 35 mm culture
dishes (MatTek Corp., Ashland, Mass., United States of America)
with glass coverslips and grown to 70% confluency in DMEM plus 20%
FBS. When the appropriate confluency was reached (approximately 48
hours after plating), the medium was replaced with DMEM/1% FBS and
exposed to 200 nM Compound 27vv or Compound 27ww as described
hereinabove. After 30 minutes, the cells were washed briefly 3
times and incubated in DMEM/10% FBS for 60 minutes at 37.degree. C.
After 60 minutes, the medium was removed and the cells were washed
with HBSS/Tyrode's. After the second wash, fresh HBSS/Tyrode's was
added and the cells were immediately imaged using a Zeiss Axiovert
25 Microscope (propidium iodide filter/3 sec exposure/gain of 3).
Exposure to Compound 27vv resulted in clearly observable
fluorescent staining of COX-2-transformed HEK293 cells, which was
also reduced by indomethacin (20 .mu.M) pretreatment.
[0226] Similar experiments to the above were performed with
Compounds 27eee (IC.sub.50 in RAW 264.7 cells=320 nM) and 28f with
RAW264.7 cells and with HEK/COX-2 cells, and Compound 27eee
provided good specific staining that was also reducible by
pretreatment with indomethacin.
[0227] Additionally, 1483 Head/Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
(Sacks et al. (1988) Cancer Res 48, 2858-2866), which express
COX-2, were treated at 70% confluency on 35 mm dishes with 200 nM
Compound 27eee (IC.sub.50 in 1483 cells=92 nM), or Compound 28f and
imaged using a Zeiss Axiovert 25 Microscope (propidium iodide
filter/2 sec exposure/gain of 2). Compound 27eee provided good
specific staining that was also reducible by pretreatment with
indomethacin in this cell line as well.
Discussion of Example 4
[0228] From these in vitro experiments, several following
conclusions can be drawn. First, LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells show
consistent fluorescent signals over control cells when treated with
Compound 27vv or Compound 27eee. The fluorescence is attenuated by
pre-incubating the cells with indomethacin. Second, HEK293 cells
that overexpress COX-2 show fluorescence above the level observed
in control HEK293 cells when treated with Compound 27vv or with
Compound 27eee. This fluorescence is also reduced by pre-treatment
with indomethacin. Third, 1483 cells show considerable fluorescence
with Compound 27eee, and the signal can be attenuated with
indomethacin pre-treatment. Fourth, control compounds Compound 27ww
(similar to Compound 27vv, but with a tether shortened by 2
carbons) and Compound 28f (similar to Compound 27eee but with a
tether shortened by 2 carbons) show minimal fluorescence in these
in vitro assays. And finally, auto-fluorescence of the cells does
not contribute to the detected fluorescence signal with the
rhodamine-based compositions.
Example 5
In Vivo Imaging of Nude Mice with Liver Metastases of SW620
Cells
[0229] Nude mice with liver tumors from SW620 cells (a human
colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line that expresses a low level of
COX-2 and that is available from ATCC) were obtained from Dr. Ray
DuBois of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center of Vanderbilt
University (Nashville, Tenn., United States of America). Mice were
obtained about 8-10 weeks after metastasis of the cells from the
spleen. Control mice and mice bearing and tumor metastases were
anesthetized and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 5 mg/kg
Compound 27vv. Images of injected mice were captured by a
XENOGEN.RTM. IVIS.RTM. Imaging System (Xenogen Corp., Alameda,
Calif., United States of America) using a Cy5.5 filter or a DsRed
filter (1 second exposure/f2/high resolution/1.5 cm depth). Animals
were imaged at 30 minutes and at 3-4 hours post-injection, and
liver-specific imaging was provided by Compound 27vv. At 5 hours
post-injection, mice were euthanized and liver tumors were imaged
by fluorescence microscopy. Similar to the in vivo results, cells
present in livers tumors strongly fluoresced.
[0230] In parallel experiments, nude mice were xenografted with a
subcutaneous injection on a lateral side of 1.times.10.sup.6 HCA7
colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Marsh et al. (1993) J Pathol
170:441-450). Control mice (i.e., nude mice that did not have
tumors) were also treated with 5 mg/ml or 2 mg/ml Compound 27vv and
imaged. Images taken demonstrated strong tumor-specific
fluorescence both in vivo and after removal of tumor masses.
[0231] Additionally, the presence of intact Compound 27vv in tumors
and normal tissues were examined by high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy (MS). Tumors and other
tissues were collected from treated mice and immediately frozen on
dry ice. Tissues were homogenized in Tris buffer (pH=7.4) and
proteins precipitated with acetonitrile (ACN). Protein pellets were
collected by centrifugation and dried before reconstitution in Tris
buffer pH 7.4 plus 10% methanol. Proteins were purified by
reverse-phase solid=phase extraction (RP-SPE) and analyzed by
HPLC-UV using the conditions set forth in Table 4:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Conditions for HPLC-UV Solutions A: water B:
acetonitrile Column Phenomenex Synergi Fusion (Phenomenex Inc.,
Torrance, California, United States of America); 15 x 0.46 cm w C18
guard @ 40.degree. C. Gradient elution 50% B at t = 0 50% B at t =
1 min 10% B at t = 7.5 min 10% B at t = 9.5 min 50% B at t = 10 min
Flow 1.3 mL/min UV Detection 581 nm
[0232] A standard curve was generated for Compound 27vv between 1
and 15 nmoles. Linear regression analysis generated an equation for
the resulting line of y=311624x+85461 (R.sup.2=0.9956). Various
normal and tumor samples were then analyzed and the amounts of
Compound 27vv present in the samples were determined. These results
are summarized in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Amounts of Compound 27vv Present in Tissue
Samples Calculated Against the Standard Curve Compound Compound
27vv Mass nmol 27vv Sample Description Peak Area (g) 4751 nmol/g
Mouse 1 - normal liver lobe 2 0.41 Mouse 1 - kidney 0.27 Mouse 2 -
normal liver lobe 2 0.32 Mouse 1 - extremely small 0.01 tumor Mouse
1 - small isolated 0.54 tumor Mouse 1 - giant tumor C 15577128 0.67
4.7 41.1 Mouse 2 - normal kidney 0.28 Mouse 2 - tissue between
10777 0.14 <Std. A the lobes Mouse 1 - giant tumor B 660489 0.63
1.8 15.3 Mouse 1 - giant tumor A 1127131 0.73 3.3 31.1 Mouse 1 -
giant tumor D 145324 0.74 0.2 0.9 Mouse 1 - normal liver lobe 1
0.52 Mouse 2 - normal liver lobe 19921 0.70 <Std. A Mouse 2 -
small tumor 19025 0.07 <Std. A
[0233] The putative Compound 27vv peak in the tumor samples was
collected and analyzed by LCMS in order to verify its identity.
[0234] No brightly fluorescent areas were observed in any liver
lobe in the control mice by either in vivo or ex vivo examination.
Mice bearing liver metastases of SW620 cells, however, showed
increased fluorescent signal during in vivo imaging, and also after
excised livers were imaged by fluorescence microscopy.
Additionally, HPLC and MS analyses confirmed the presence of intact
Compound 27vv in the SW620 tumors at 5 hours post-injection. In
parallel assays, the level of Compound 27vv in normal liver tissue
was below the limit of detection.
[0235] It will be understood that various details of the described
subject matter can be changed without departing from the scope of
the described subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoing
description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limitation.
* * * * *